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UNITED STATES OF AMEEICA. 



APn 3 1835 



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n 




ENiNG IN Florida 



A TREATISE 



OX THE 



VEGETABLES AND TROPIC/L PRODUCTS 



OF 



FLORIDA. 



BY 

J. N. WHITN EE, A. M., 

PROPESSOE OF THKORETICAL AND PRACFICAL AGRICULTURE IX THE FLORIDA 
AGKICULTUKAL COLLEGE, LAKE CITY, FLORIDA, 




JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA: 
€. W. DaCosta, Publisher. Pbintek and Binder, 

188 5. 



Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1884, by 

.T . N . W H I T N E R , 
In the office olthe Librarian of Congress at Washington. 






INTRODUCTION TO SECOND EDITION. 

The first Edition of " Gardening in Florida " being exhausted 
finother is called for, and with it the fulfillment of the promise 
given at the outset : that if the " Manual " met with a reasonable 
amount of encouragement at the hands of the Public, it should 
be succeeded by a more elaborate and substantial work. 

The reception accorded the " Manual" was highly satisfactory, 
and in token of his full appreciation thereof, the Author offers 
this volume as its pledged successor. Nominally, it is the 
Second Editi(m of " Gardening in Florida," but in reality, it is a 
new work — almost entirely so. It has been carefully revised — 
in most instances, altogether rewritten. Large additions have 
been made to the list of garden vegetables ; and each article on 
vegetable culture, new or old, has been prepared with reference 
to the modifications in previous methods, which longer exper- 
ience, and more extended and closer observation, made desirable. 

Besides the cultivation of garden, and marketable vegetables — 
to which this book is primarily devoted — there is a feature well 
calculated to enhance its value — I refer to the insertion of short 
treatises on the most important Tropical fruits. 

The supply of information relating to this new and attractive 
horticultural industry of Florida is so scant and difficult of 
access, as to invest with peculiar interest every hint or sugges- 
tion having a practical bearing upon this little known subject. 
Our collection of tropical fruits is quite meagre , and of those we 
have, the varieties, in very many instances, are considered by 



Vi INTRODUCTION TO SECOND EDITION. 

the informed, as of little account. Several new fruits, as is 
sllo^vn in these pages, may be successfully introduced from other 
countries and profitably cultivated ; their climatic requirements 
not materially differing from exotics already established. 

To the inexperienced — and especially to strangers, those unac- 
quainted with our soil and climate, this book is respectfully 
commended. For, notwithstanding the diversity of opinion 
which prevails among gardeners, in common with every other 
class, the hints herein contained— founded as they generally are 
upon actual experiment, or close personal observation — will 
largely tend to inspire confidence in their first observations. 

The accompanying analytical tables will be found very useful. 
From them the specific food, required by each plant, may be 
readily obtained. By furnishing these constituents in quantities 
judiciously varied, the intelligent gardener, can, after a few ex- 
periments, determine for himself, precisely the kind and quan- 
tity of manure needed to produce any desired crop. And the 
result will show a great saving in the cost of production, as well 
as more satisfactory harvest returns. 

The enlargement of" Gardening in Florida," apparent in this 
Edition, together with the illustrations, binding, superior paper, 
etc., has very greatly increased the cost of publication. The 
additional expense, however, was indispensable to the produc- 
tion of a book of durable form, and easy comprehension. Yet 
the price per copy has been fixed at a sum much below that 
charged for any similar work in the United States. 

The descriptions, modes of treatment — indeed everything per- 
taining to tropical fruits, and tropical vegetation generally, has, 
with few exceptions, been taken from standard works accessible 



INTRODUCTION TO SECOND EDITION. Vll 

to me, such as " Firminger's Gardening for India," "American 
Cycloptedia," "Lindley," " Loudon " and others. 

Should this little volume, despite its numerous defects, shed 
even a single ray of encouragement upon the toil of that thrice 
welcome class of immigrants to our fair land, for whom it was 
specially prepared — Developers of Homes — it will contribute no 
little to the happiness of the Author. 



INTRODUCTION TO FIRST EDITION. 

Market Gardening in Florida is fast becoming a great indus- 
try. Its importance to the State is almost incalculable and 
should receive every reasonable encouragement. It shows how 
the difficulties of self-support may be overcome by the man of 
small means while he is endeavoring to j^rovide a home for his 
family. By its aid orange groves may be secured and the hardy 
sons of toil look forward to a future period of independence and 
enjoyment, Avhich they could scarcely hope otherwise to attain. 

A few years ago, two or three bushels of early vegetables were 
shipped North from one of the eastern counties, as an experi- 
ment. The returns being satisfactory, a larger lot Avas sent the 
following season. Encouraged by these tests, shipments have in- 
creased from year to year, until now the number of crates 
annually produced amounts to hundreds ^f thousands ; and yet 
the business is but in its infancy. 

Market Gardening is attracting to our state a class of intelli- 
gent, industrious immigrants, who are rapidly converting the 
very wilderness into beautiful and valuable homesteads, the 
products of which are to add to our material wealth and pros- 
perity. 

New lines of railway, just completed and in process of con- 
struction, are bringing vast and fertile areas within convenient 
reach of the great highways of transportation to the North and 
West. Freights are reasonable ; and the quick transit from 
even interior localities, added to the advantages of refrigerators, 
well ventilated cars and comjxirtments furnished by railroad 



INTRODUCTION TO FIRST EDITION. IX 

and steamboat companies, will soon place Florida above the fear 
of competition from Bermuda, and the West India and Bahama 
Islands, in supplying our great country with early and choice 
vegetables. 

Chiefly for the purpose of offering a few timely hints to the 
new-comers into our State, who design embarking in vegetable 
and fruit culture, has this little Manual been prepared. It lays 
iio claim to originality, but simply aims to present such varieties 
of products, and such systems of cultivation, as experience has 
shown to be best adapted to the soil and climate of Florida. 
Horticultural operations, when directed by intelligence and skill, 
are much the same the world over ; hence the modus operandi in 
planting, cultivating, etc., as practiced by Northern and Euro- 
pean gardeners, is, with some modifications, equally applicable 
here. We are under obligations to Mr. Peter Henderson, of 
New York, for valuable hints in treating certain vegetables, 
■especially for the present labor-saving or " level " culture of 
Celery, as opposed to the tedious and troublesome ditch or trench 
method. We have also profited by the experience of Johnson, 
Miller, and Knight — names well known in the horticultural 
world. 

Prominence is herein given to those vegetables which are 
deemed most profitable to grow for distant markets ; at the same 
time brief directions will be found, sufficient to guide the inex- 
perienced, in the cultivation of most all others which usually 
pertain to a kitchen garden. 

Wood-cuts for illustrating vegetables, grounds, implements, 
etc., are omitted on the score of economy. They are useful, it is 
irae, but would hare added materially to the cost, and it was 



INTKODUCTIOX TO FIRST EDITION. 



decided to dispense with them in this issue. At some future time,, 
should this Little Bantling be favored with a warrantable 
degree of success, a more elaborate and complete work on the- 
marketable fruits and vegetables of Florida will be published. 



INDEX. 



Adj utan t-General 240 

Akee 136 

Alacliua county 241, 242 

An Acre, to measure 243 

Artesian Wells 27 



Artichoke, Burr 34 

Artichoke, Jerusalem 31 

Asparagus 3-5 

Attorney-Genera ' 240 

Avocado, or Alligator Pear 137 



B 

Banana 138 

Baker county 241, 1'42 

Bean, Dwarf or Bush 41 

Bean, Eunning or Pole 43 

Beet 44 

Bermuda Onion, cultivation of 102 

Board of Education 241 

Board of Internal Improve- 
ment 241 

Board of Pardons 241 



Bones, Formula for Dis- ■ 

solving 12 

B orecole 47 

Bradford county 241, 242 

Bread Fruit 142 

B roccol i 48 

Brussel Sprouts -50 

Budding 224 

Bullock's Heart 177 

Butter Tree 18a 



C 



Cabbage 51 

Cacao 144 

Calabash Tree 185 

Calhoun county 241, 242 

Cantaloupe 88 

Capitol 220 

Carrot 59 

Cassava * 61 

Cauliflower 63 



Clerk of Internal Improve- 
ment Board 240 

Clerk of State Treasurer 240' 

Cocoanut 147 

Cocoa Plum 154 

Coifee Tree 187 

Columbia county 241 

Commissioners of State In- 
stitutions 241 



Xll 



INDEX. 



Celery 67 

Celeriac 72 

Cement 245 

Cherimoyer 146 

Chinese Yam 132 

Clay county 241, 242 

Cleft Graftfng 232 

Clerk of Comptroller 240 



Com ptroller-General 

Congressional Districts.... 

Corn 

Cotton Seed, for Manure, 

Cress, Garden 

Crown Grafting 

C ucumber • 

Custard Apple 



240 

241 

73 

24 

85 
234 

76 
155 



D 



Dade county 241, 242 

Date and Date Palm 157 

Date Plum 207 



Durian 159 

Durio 159 

Duval county 241, 242 



E 



Egg Plant. 
Endive 



81 



Escambia county 241, 242 

Executive Department 240 



F 



Florida, (Capitol of 240 

Franklin county 241, 242 



Formula for 
Bones 



Dissolving 



22 



a 



Gadsden county V4l, 

Garden Vegetables, a List of.. 

Garlic 

Geographical Divisions of 
State 



242 

26 
80 

242 



Governor, Term of Office. 

Grafting 

Grafting- AVax 

Guava 

Gypsum 



240 
229 
229 
204 
23 



Hamilton county 241, 

Hernando county 241, 

Plillsborough county 241, 



H 

242 Holmes county 241, 242 

242 Horse*Pvadish 88 

242 Housewife's Table 244 



INDEX. 



Xlll 



Inarching 235 

Indian Kiver 147 

Internal Improvement Board 241 

Introduction to 1st Edition... 14 

Introduction to 2d Edition 11 



Irrigation 24 

Irish Potato Ill 

Ivory Nut, or Vegetable 

Ivorv 189 



Jack Fruit 160 

Japan Persimmon, Date Plum 207 



Jackson county 241, 242 

Japan Plum, Loquat 210 



Kohl Rabi 

Kumquat — Otaheite Orange. 



K 



85 
210 



Kuronda 162 



Lafayette county 221, 222 

Lake Worth 152 

Layering 236 

LeConte Pear 216 

Leek 85 

Leon county 241, 242 



Lettuce 87 

Liberty [county 241, 242 

Lichee 163 

Lieutenant-Governor 240 

Loquat 10 



M 

Madison county 241, 242 

3Iammee Apple 163 

Mammee Sapota 165 

Manatee county 241, 242 

Mango 165 

Mangosteen 168 

Manures 19 



Marion county ...241, 242 

Melon, Musk 88 

Melon, Water 89 

Monroe county 241, 242 

Mushroom 93 

Mustard 88 



-XIV 



INDEX. 



N 



Nassau county 241, 242 

Nutmeg 181 

Number of Plants to the Acre 242 



Number of Plants to an 

Ounce of Seed 243 



O 

■Okra 98 

■Onion 09 

One Ounce of Seed 243 



Orange county 241, 242 

Orange, Sweet 211 

Otaheite Orano-e 210 



Palms (varieties) — 

Areca Lutescens 19H 

Betel Nut 192 

Blue Palmetto 191 

Bossu 199 

•Cabbage 190 

Calamus 1 94 

Cham^rops 191, 20B 

•Chusan 203 

Cocoanut 200 

Coco de*Mer 198 

•Coquita 198 

Date 157 

Doum 197 

Draco 19G 

Dwarf Palmetto 191 

Ethiopian 197 

Guinea 203 

Hardy 203 

Inaja 201 

Ita 196 

Palmetto 190 

Palmyra 19G 

Peach 200 

Piassata 202 

Kattan 194 



Palms (varieties) — 

Koyal 191 

Sago 192 

Saw 191 

Talipot 199 

Toddy 193 

Tura 200 

Wax 200 

Papaw 170 

Parsley 107 

Parsnip 105 

Pear, LeConte 216 

Peas 107 

Persimmon, Japan 207 

Pine Apple 173 

Pistachio Nut 182 

Plantain 138 

Polk county 241, 242 

Potatoe, Irish Ill 

Potatoe, Sweet 116 

Potter's, G. W., Article on 

Cocoanut, etc 152 

Preparation of the Soil 17 

Private Secretary of Gov'r 240 

Propagation 223 

Putnam countv 241, 242 



INDEX. 

R 



XV 



Radish 118 

Kice Paper Tree ]86 



Ehubarb 119 



S 



Saddle Grafting 281 

Salsify 121 

■St. Johns county 241, 242 

Sapodilla 175 

Secretary of State 240 

Seeds, one ounce will produce 243 

Shallot or Eschallot 122 

.Sour Sop 176 



Spinach 123 

Squash 124 

Strawberry 221 

Sumter county 241, 242 

Superintendent of Public 

Instruction 222, 

Suwannee county 241, 242 

S^eet Sop 177 



T 



Tallahassee 240 

Tamarind 178 

Tan\ah 125 

Tapioca 61 

Taylor county 24 1 , 242 

Teak Wood 188 

Tomato 126 



To measure an acre 243 

Treasurer of State 222 

Tri-facial Orange 288 

Tropical Fruits, Trees, etc., 

a List of 133 

Turnip 130 



V 

Vegetable Ivor}', or Ivory Nut 180 Volusia county 241, 242 



W 



AVakulla county 241, 242 

Walton county 241, 242 

Water Melon 89 



Waterproof Glue 246 

Wax Grafting 229 

What makes a Bushel 243 



Yam, Chinese 132 



PREPARATION OF THE SOIL. 

The absolute necessity of providing ample feeding room for 
the tender rootlets of plants, as well as for the free admission of 
air and water, should be indolliblv impressed upon the mind of 
every cultivator of the soil. The small quantity remaining 
after combustion, the ash, or residuum of the plant, comprises 
the miiural, or inorganic portion, and which, by the aid of water 
to assimilate, has been derived from the earth. The larger, or- 
ganic part, escapes in a gaseous form, and goes off to form new 
combinatit lis. A considerable amount of plant food comes from 
the atmosp lere, hcMce the tendency of the roots to approach the 
surface, and even to crop out, in places where the ground has 
been suffered to become hard and compact. The preventive will 
always be found in deep ploughing or trenchiug. 

Water is another element essential to the life and develop- 
ment of plants. It not only dissolves and prepares the food im- 
mediately at hand, but generously gives forth that which had 
been collected by absorption, and transported from distant store- 
houses. Besides the inexhaustible supplies of fertilizing material 
furnished by these elements, air and water, they render import- 
ant assistance in the work of disintegration. 

Another advantage from deep ploughing is, the roots of plants 
during a drouth, can strike down out of the reach of the scorch- 
ing rays of the sun, and revel in beds made cool and moist by 
means of capillary attraction — that wonderful and useful appa- 
ratus of nature for raising water from depths beneath. 

Again, deeply broken ground will absorb, and economize rain; 



18 UAKDSNING IN FLORIDA. 

Storing the excess below the roots, and thus prevent washing in 
places where the surface is unev^en. In hilly sections, the land 
should be broken up into beds parallel to the horizon, known as 
levelling^ which is in effect a kind of terracing ; and which if 
13roperly done would greatly protect the soil and fertilizers from 
waste. 

The work of breaking up the ground, it is scarcely necessary 
*to say, must be done before planting. Indeed, by far the larger 
and heavier part of the labor in making a crop should be per- 
formed at the beginning; before the seed is deposited in the 
ground, and while there are no roots to be disturbed. 

In small, family gardens, the work may be accomplished by 
cutting narrow trenches, two or more feet deep, with a spade, 
observing to place the top and subsoil on opposite sides ; in refill- 
ing the trench, there should be a sufficient quantity of good ma- 
nure to take the place of the subsoil, and be thoroughly incorpor- 
ated with that from the surface. 

Such a method as the above could not well be used in market 
gardens ; it is entirely too tedious and expensive. In large areas 
horse power must be employed. First run a furrow with any 
good plow that will go down eight or ten inches, and into this fur- 
row run a long narrow scooter as many more. This will give an 
average depth of fifteen to eighteen inches, and if the work has 
been faithfully executed, and the land plentifully fertilized, a^ 
good crop may be confidently expected, unless the necessary sup- 
ply of water should be wanting. 

The subsequent work, whether by horse or hand, whether the 

implement be cultivator, sweep, rake, or hoe — must be shallow ; 

just deep enough to break the crust which usually forms at the 



MANURES. 19 

surface — particularly after a shower of raiu — so as to allow free 
access to the roots by air and water. Frequent stirring of the 
soil is more needed in dry than in seasonable weather. 

Subsoiling is hardly required oftener than once in two or 
three years, except in the very stiff clay lands found in parts of 
middle Florida. On some tracts about Tallahassee, and possibly 
in a few other localities, it would doubtless pay to subsoil every 
year. 



MANURES. 

To be able to obtain the proper kind and quantity of fertilizers, 
in order to secure the very best results for a given crop, is of the 
utmost importance. If the once prevalent notion of ascertaining 
the deficiencies of certain elements of food by analyzing the 
plant, and a few samples here and there of the soil in which it 
was to grow, were practicable, the task would be an easy one. 
But a little reflection will show, that so far as soils are con- 
cerned, it is not. The weight of the soil on an acre of land 
down to the depth of eight inches, is estimated to be 1,500 tons, 
or three million pounds. And if this immense mass of matter 
could be thoroughly mixed and analyzed, the result would still 
fall short of absolute accuracy. The chemist might force from 
their prison houses, constituents which had successfully resisted 
the powers of nature to draw forth. Or he might with the most 
delicate implements fail to detect the presence of an element 
which nevertheless formed a component part of the plant, and as 



20 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

such, just as necessary to its growth and maturity as one con- 
tributing twenty-fold more material. For by an invariable law 
of plant life, no one constituent, however seemingly insignificant, 
can be dispensed with. In one of the Reports of the Chemist of 
the Agricultural Bureau it is stated, that an element w^as found 
in the beet root and also in the tobacco plant, of w hich not even 
a trace could be detected by the spectroscope in the soils whence 
those plants were taken. The apjDlication of one hundred pounds 
of pure Peruvian Guano on an acre of land, would visibly affect 
the growing crop ; yet its presence would more than likely escape 
the most searching analysis. Supposing the chemist to be pro- 
vided with a true average sample of the soil, he must possess 
wondrous skill and superior im2:>lements indeed, to eliminate and 
identify the one ounce of fertilizer, which has been mixed with 
a ton of soil — about the relative proportion of the two. With 
the analysis of the plant, which is at least proximately correct, 
the better plan is to note the effect of special fertilizers, and by 
changes both in quantity and kind, continue experimenting, 
until the deficiency is ascertained. Some knowledge of veget- 
able physiology and chemistry, would be of great helf) to the 
cultivator. 

The elements of plant food of w^idest application — those ent - 
inginto the composition of most plants, are Nitrogen, AmmoiJa, 
Phosphoric Acid, Lime and Potash. These with many others 
are found in stable or barnyard manure, Avhich by universal 
consent heads the list. Stable manure is composed of Carbon,. 
Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Carbonate and Phosphate of 
Lime, Carbonate and Sulphate of Soda, Muriate and Sulphate 
of Potash, Chloride of Sodium, Magnesia, Alumina, Silica, and 



MANURES. 



21 



Oxide of Iron. The very limited supply of this valuable fertil- 
izer, comprising all of the elements of plant nutriment, should 
lead to its being largely composted with woods soil, cotton seed, 
well-dried and pulverized muck, or some other material for the 
purpose of increasing the bulk, as well as of fixing the more vol- 
atile constituents which otherwise would escape faster than the 
plant could appropriate them. 

Nitrogen is furnished to plants chiefly in the form of ammonia 
obtained from decaying animal matter, and other organic sub- 
stances. Pure Peruvian Guano is a valuable nitrogenous fertil- 
izer, and rich also in phosphates. For reasons above given, it 
too should be combined with good absorbents. Its long con- 
tinued use by itself, has impressed some farmers with the idea 
that it is noxious to the soil, and will render it sterile. So it 
will, unless the elements of nutrition which it does not possess 
are supplied from some other source, as it is not a complete 
manure. 

The same is true of lime, or any other specific fertilizer, as 
compared with stable manure, which contains everything a 
plant requires. Lime enters very sparingly into the composition 
of plants. Its action is more mechanical, hastening the decom- 
position of organic matter, and, by the aid of water, in preparing 
the food for ready absorption by the roots. It is also very useful 
in rendering stiff soils more friable. On lands destitute of veget- 
able matter, a free application of lime will be attended with 
positive injury. So too, if mixed with fresh stable or other 
ammoniacal manures, unless the whole n^ass is covered with 
charcoal or dry soil to catch and retain the gases liberated by 
the lime. 



22 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

Potash, another valuable fertilizer, may be supplied wheu 
needed by wood ashes, the ash of the hull of cotton seed, that 
from the root, or more properly, the trunk of the saw pal- 
metto, is very rich in potash. Or it may be obtained as an 
article of commerce in the crude state, as imported from the in- 
exhaustable beds of Germany. 

Phosphoric Acid is found in almost all cultivated plants. It 
is usually applied to the soil combined with lime in all kinds of 
bones, or in the fossilliferous beds of marine animals, such as 
have recently been discovered and developed in South Carolina. 
There are strong reasons for believing that similar beds will be 
brought to light in this State; thereby starting a new industry, 
and supplying at reasonable rates, the ever increasing demand of 
fruit and vegetable growers. When bones are used, they should 
be ground fine or coarse according to the growing time of the 
crop. For immediate effect as in the production of early veg- 
etables, they should be reduced to an impalpable powder, while 
fruit trees would be more benefitted by the slower decomposition 
of bone meal or cracked bone. Supported by one or two crops a 
year of pea-vines turned under, if practicable, or simply decay- 
ing on the surface, if not; this compound fertilizer will be found 
one of the safest and best, either for pushing young fruit trees to 
maturity, or for stimulating and sustaining older ones, in the 
yield of heavy crops. 

Formula for Dissolving Bones. 



Bones to be dissolved should be ground, but where this cannot 
be done, break them up as fine as possible. Place them in a tub, 



MANURES. 23 

and wet the mass well with water, then pour over it sulphuric 
acid as taken from the carboy, ee^ual to one-third or one-half the 
weight of the bone.s. Stir briskly for thirty minutes or so, and 
set away for two or three days. If at the end of that time all the 
bones are not dissolved, mix a little more acid with double its 
weight of water, and pour slowly again over the bones. When 
dissolved it becomes a soft paste, and has to be dried with char- 
coal, or wood ashes, before it can be handled and applied in the 
usual way to bed or field. The composting with charcoal gives 
it the appearance of a coarse granulated powder. 

It may be used in a liquid form, by adding water equal to 
thirty times the hulk of the paste, before mixing with charcoal. 

About three bushels of the phosphate is thought to be suffi- 
cient to use ou an acre. 

A carboy of sulphuric acid wei2;hing one hundred and sixty 
pounds, and costing but a few dollars, will dissolve from 350 to 
500 pounds of bones depending upon their quality, and the 
degree of comminution effected. 

Bones may also be dissolved without sulphuric acid. Pack in 
alternate layers with hard wood ashes, in a barrel, using water 
freely in packing, and constantly afterwards. The mixture 
should never be allowed to get dry. This method will require 
several months. 

Gypsum or land plaster, when it can be cheaply obtained, may 
be very profitably used by the producer. Composed of sulphur 
and lime, it may be applied as a direct fertilizing agent to cer- 
tain crops, or to collect valuable elements of plant food from the 
atmosphere and other sources, and give them out as required. 

Cotton seed is highly esteemed, and deservedly so, as a fertil- 



24 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

izer. Composted with stable manure its value is, of course, 
much enhanced. The cake, or cotton seed meal may be profit- 
ably applied combined with Gypsum, in the proportion of three 
of the former to one of the latter. 



IRRIGATION. 

The value of water as a fertilizer was well understood by the 
early Oriental Nations. 

We learn from sacred history of its use in garden culture many 
centuries prior to the Christian Era. The Celestials claim to 
have employed irrigation before the flood. From Egypt, where 
its existence is probably coeval with agriculture, its use soon ex- 
tended to neighboring tribes. Besides the magnificent aqueducts 
of Imperial R(jme, costly works for irrigating purposes have been 
constructed in other parts of the world. At the present, large 
sums of money are annually devoted to this object in India, Italy 
and other European countries, and in many parts of the United 
States. Notably in California and Colorado. The reported re- 
sult in every case has been highly satisfactory. 

Water acts in a two-fold capacity. It is Nature's great solvent, 
charged with the office of dissolving, and preparing for immedi- 
ate use, plant food wherever found, as well as to convey it from 
one place to another. By its well known property of expansion, 
in passing from the fluid to the solid state, it assists in the opera- 
tion of reducing, or disintegrating huge masses of fertilizing mat- 
ter, which it afterwards takes up in solution and carries off. 



IRRIGATION. 25 

The advantages derived from a proper use of water may be 
named as follows: 

First. The large increase in the yield, ranging from fifty per 
cent, to several hundred. 

Second. The decided improvement in the quality of the prod- 
uct. 

Third. The quicker growth, and as a consequence, earlier ma- 
turity. 

Fourth. The compartive certainty of the harvest. 

And lastly, it is found destructive, says the Government En- 
iomologist, to insect life, whereupon he recommends windmills 
in places not possessing streams, or other natural facilities. If it 
be urged that irrigation is only desii'able in warm countries, and 
in those where rainfall is seldom known, it may be said in reply, 
that 500 per cent, increase \ield has been obtained by it in 
Maine. And in the State of New^ York a prominent agricultu- 
ralist declared that a system of irrigation was the most profitable 
investment a cultivator could make in a climate subject to such 
periods of drouth. 

There is no State of the Union in which irrigation would pay 
better than Florida. And while from its generally level surface, 
only a small part can furnish streams, or heads, as in more hilly 
or rolling countries, yet by means of wind-mills there is no 
reason why every cultivated acre should not enjoy the incal- 
.culable benefits which irrigation confers. Water is abundant 
:and easily reached. If not convenient to lake, river or brook, 
exhaustless supplies can nevertheless be obtained within a few 
feet of the surface. And as for the motive power, it would be 
difficult to find a place where the wind can be so safely and so 



26 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

effectually pressed into service as in this favored land. The fu- 
rious gales, and terrible cyclones, dealing devastation and death 
in their resistless course, are known to us only through the tales 
. of horror, and cries of distress, which reach us from our suffer- 
ing fellow-creatures in other States. No such demon of destruc- 
tion has ever visited our shores. Our winds are so gentle, so 
uniform, and so constant " from early Juorn to dewy eve," and 
from evening till morning again, as to justify the use of the non- 
patented wind-mill ; but to guard against a possible sudden puff 
or squall, it might be advisable to use the automatic gear- 
adjuster. The tank, or tanks, should be conveniently located, 
and have sufficient elevation above the ground to give a good 
headway. Hose, troughs, or pipes, will of ccuirse be required to 
conduct the water where it is wanted. 

A farmer in California used more than 2{ miles (12,000 feet) 
of piping to convey the water from a single tank fourteen feet 
high, over his grounds. In proof of the heavy expense judicious 
irrigation will bear, the same cultivator could afford to pay $15' 
to $20 per day just for the fuel (coal) consumed by the engine- 
employed to do the pumping. 

It may be confidently affirmed that no one wdio has given 
artificial irrigation a fair trial, would willingly return to the 
precarious and unreliable rainfall system, even were there no- 
other advantage than the reasonable certainty of the reaping- 
being proportioned to the sowing. An increase of fifty per cent. 
— the very lowest yield of irrigation known — would make quite 
a difference in the revenue of the fruit and vegetable grower. 
What would be thought of the average — 100 or 200 per cent?' 
If to this be added a corresponding quickened maturity, andi 



IRRIGATION. 27 

an improvement in quality, thereby enhancing the market value 
of the product, the wonder will be that this powerful co-worker 
should have been so long neglected. Since the water of wells, 
streams, etc., is more or less charged with elements of fertility, 
the saving in the cost of manures alone would soon offset the 
expense of a windmill outfit. 

In the culture of fruit of all kinds, and especially of the straw- 
berry, irrigation will prove equally advantageous. Some years 
ago an interesting experiment was made with early peaches dur- 
ing a severe drought, and the result showed a difference of two 
weeks in favor of irrigation, in the ripening of the same variety. 

Applied to the orange, there can be no question of obtaining 
more and better fruit, while the growth of the trees will be 
greatly accelerated. 

In the culture of those which delight in a moist soil, such as 
the banana, guava and others, very decided effects in its favor, 
will become manifest from a free use of water. 



Artesian Wells. 

In connection with the subject of irrigation, a few remarks 
relating to this method of procuring water will not be amiss. 
Where not too expensive, nothing could be better. The name. 
Artesian, is derived from the Latin word Artesium for Artois, a 
Province in France, where they probably originated. A well of 
this kind in Artois has been flowing since early in the Twelfth 
Century, furnishing an abundant supply of water. They are 
used in almost all parts of the world. In the great African 
Desert, Sahara, quite a number are now in successful operation 



•28 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

— thereby literally converting the desert into a garden. The 
average water discharge from seventy-five of these wells a few 
years ago, was estimated to be 8,000 gallons each per hour, and 
their average depth 200 feet. In our own country they are in- 
creasing in pojDular favor, and their number multiplying every 
year. There are upwards of 200 in Iroquois county, Illinois, 
within a radius of twenty miles, and with an average depth of 
only seventy feet, the daily discharge is said to aggregate the 
enormous quantity of 53,400,000 gallons. The flow from them 
which rises several feet above the surface, varies from 20 to 120 
gallons per minute. 

Wherever water can be as cheaply obtained as in the instances 
above mentioned, private individuals might well afford to irri- 
gate their market gardens and orchards by this method. And 
the experiments in the level districts of this State, encourage the 
hope that Artesian wells may, in the near future, be extensively 
employed in field and garden. A well at Daytona, 138 feet 
deep, "throws a jet of water seven feet in the air, and will rise in 
a three-inch pipe fifteen feet. The flow is estimated at 18,000 
gallons per hour." 



GARDEN VEGETABLES. 

The subjoined list of vegetables embraces mcs of those usually 
cultivated in the truck patch for market, or in I e family garden 
for home consumption, viz : 

Artichoke (Burr) — Cynara Scolymus. 

Artichoke (Jerusalem) — Helianthus tuber osus. 

Asparagus — Asparagus Officinalis. 

Bean (Dwarf or bush and Pole) — Fhaseolas. 

Beet — Beta vulgaris. 

Borecole — Brassica Oleracea finibriata. 

Broccoli — Brassica Oleracea botrytis. 

Brussel Sprouts — Brassica Oleracea var. 

Cabbage — Brassica Oleracea. 

Carrot — Daucus Carota. 

Cassava vs. Tapioca. 

Cauliflower — Brassica Oleracea botrytis. 

Cress (Garden) — Lepidium Sativum. 

Celery — Apium graveolens. 

Corn — Zea Mays. 

Cucumber — Cucumis Sativus. 

Egg Plant — Solanum Melongena. 

Endive — Chicorium Endivia. 

O VLiLic — Allium Sativum. 

l^vji^SE Kadisii — Cochlearia, or Nasturtium Armoracia. 

Kohl Rabi — Brassica Oleracea, var : caulo-rapa. 

Leek — Allium Porrum. 



30 OVllDENINf^ TX FLORIDA. 

L i^:tt re j^: — Lacti i < a «SV/ fivd. 

Melon (Musk) — C mtaloupe, CaonmU melo. 

Melon ( Water) — ('itniJ/n.s vi(,lgari><. 

Mushroom — Agaricus Campestris. 

M usTA RD — Sinapis. 

Ok r a — Hibiscvs EsciUentus. 

Union — Allium Cepa. 

Pea — Pisum Sativum. 

Parsnip — Fadmacea Saliva. 

Parsley — Petroselinum Sativum. 

Potato (Irish) — Solannm tuberosum. 

Potato (Sweet) — Co}iro/rii/ii.s batatas. 

Ra dish — Raphanus Sat leas. 

KnuRARR — Rheum. 

Salsify (or Vegetable Oyster) — Tragopogon porrifoliuH. 

Shalot — A Ilium Ascolonicum, 

Si'iNACii — Spinacia, Oleracea. 

Squash— Ciicurbita. 

Tan YAH — Calocasia, esculenta. 

Tomato — Ly coper sic am Solannm. 

Turnip — Brassica rapa. 

Yam (Chinese) — Dioseorea batatas. 



ARTIcnOKE. 

ARTICHOKE. 



31 



Cijiiftra Scolymus. 

Notwithstanding 
tlie Artich(3ke claims 
for its home a region 
of country (South of 
Europe) whose clim- 
ate is not unlike 
ours, I doubt there 
bein«^ lialf a dozen 
gardens in the State 
wherein it is culti- 
vated. The explan- 
ation for ^vhich ne- 
glect lies probably 
in the vast number 
of vegetables within our reach, and which are far more highly 
esteemed. 

In appearance the plant resembles a huge Scotch thistle, and 
without the usual condiments, about as palatable. Fortunately 
there is as much diversity of taste as there are objects for its 
exercise, and surely a land with so many ardent lovers of the 
fruit aptly called sour sop, should be at no loss for admirers of 
.artichoke. 

Although propagated both by seed and suckers, or shoots from 
the old plant, the former method is generally preferred, on 
account of its yielding, as claimed, hardier and more durable 
plants. 




32 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

The analysis shows a large per cent, each of phosphoric acid 
and potash, and next of lime. To supply which, use ashes and 
bone meal, or superphosphates as special fertilizers. Fresh barn- 
yard manure is particularly hurtlul to this vegetable. 

ANALYSIS. 

Potassa 24.04 

Soda 5.52 

Lime 9.56 

Magnesia 4.14 

Sulphuric Acid 5.18 

Silicic Acid 7.02 

Phosphoric A cid 30.83 

Phosphate of Iron 4.74 

Chloride of Sodium 3.57 

100.00 
After well fertilizing and thoroughly breaking and pulverizing 
the ground, lay off the rows for a seed bed about a foot apart, 
and sow the seed the latter part of January or first of February. 
If a large number of plants is desired, leave a walk every four 
feet. When the plants are six inches high, thin out to the dis- 
tance of ten or twelve inches. In this seed or nursery bed they 
remain until fall — receiving meanwhile all needed attention in 
the way of work and watering. During the winter transplant to 
the permanent bed in row's four feet by three. The soil should 
be exceedingly rich and moist. Salt and forest leaves will tend 
to promote moisture, and prove valuable additions to the manure 
heap. 

In propagating by suckers, begin quite early in the spring to 
remove the shoots from the old plant. Select those from six to 
ten inches high, sound but not woody. Remove the brown, hard 
part next to the old stem. If that is tender and crisj) in cutting 



ARTICHOKES. 33 

the plaDt is good, but if tough and stringy it is worthless. It is 
advisable in preparing them for planting, to remove the large 
outside leaves so low that the heart shall appear above them. 
The frequent stirring of the soil should not be neglected. Heads 
may be expected the same year from June to October, afterwards 
from April to July. 

The bed should receive a liberal supply of suitable manure 
every winter, which must be thoroughly forked in. 

At the beginning of early spring remove all except two or three 
of the straightest and most vigorous shoots or suckers from the 
old parent plant, being careful to select from those under the 
stock. After the head has been cut for use, break the stem do\\n 
to the root, to encourage the growth of suckers. 

There is said to be two varieties of this vegetable, yet they do 
not differ essentially. One having a round, and the other a coni- 
cal head. The edible qualities are about the same. 

After the fourth or fifth year the old plants, notwithstanding 
their perennial quality, fail to produce good heads, and must give 
way to fresh ones, obtained as already described. 

In preparing for the table " the whole head before the bloom 
begins to appear, is boiled ; the pod leaves are pulled off, one or 
two at a time, and eaten by dipping in butter with a little 
pepper and salt — removing only the mealy j^art with the teeth. 
The bottom, when all the leaves are disposed of, is eaten with 
the knife and fork." The well known fondness of the French 
for salads is also exhibited in their use of this vegetable. They 
are said to gather the heads Avhen no larger than a dollar, and 
eat the lower ends of the leaves raw, dipping them first in oil, 
vinegar, salt and j)epper. 



84 ' GAKDENING IN FLORIDA. 

As an article of food, tlie artichoke is considered wholesome, 
though possessing very little nutriment. The flowers are said to 
curdle milk after the manner of rennet. 

ARTICHOKE— JERUSAL EM. 

(Helianthus tuberosiis.) 

The orio-in of the word Jerusalem in the above name is as- 
cribed to the English corruption of the Italian word Glrasole, 
Sun Flower, of which it is a species. 

It is grown for the tuber, by which it is propagated. It is a 
little less nutricious, but far more productive than the Irish po- 
tato, especially on thin lands. And this should coiiMnend it to the 
swine and cattle raisers of the State. " Sandy soil of fair quality 
is said to yield from 1,200 to 1,500 bushels per acre." * * * 
*' The tops cured in autumn form an excellent hay, yielding five 
or six tons per acre." 

The tubers are planted and cultivated very similar to the po- 
tato. It is hardier, and will w'ithstand much more cold. A pleas- 
ant crisp pickle is made from the tuber. 

ASPARAGUS. 

Asparagus — Officinalis. 

ANALYSIS. 

Potassa 6.01 

Soda 34 21 

Lime 4.39 

Magnesia •* 3.03 

Sulphuric Acid' 4.13 

Silicic Acid 13.49 

Phosphoric Acid 18.51 

Phosphate of Iron 3.41 

Chloride of Sodium 12.94 



ASPARAGUS. 



35 



From the Greek derivation 
of the word Asparagus, which 
means a young shoot before it 
expands, it is supposed to 
have originated with the 
Greeks as an edible vegetable. 
Be that as it may, it is cer- 
tainly known to have been 
employed and enjoyed as a 
culinary herb for many cen- 
turies. 

It is found in a wild state 
in Europe and also in Asia 
but of course destitute of the 
qualities which render it so 
popular on our tables and which have been wrought by the mag- 
ic touch of cultivation. 

This vegetable may be profitably grown for the general mar- 
ket as it seldom fails to command remunerative prices when prop- 
erly grown. 

The culture of Asparagus is commonly believed to require 
more work than any other garden plant. But this is scarcely 
•correct, considering the duration of the bed — ten or more years 
— the average amount of labor per annum required is not more 
than is bestowed on many other and much less j^rofitable vege- 
tables. 

The best soil for Asparagus is a sandy loam, deeply trenched 
and made as rich as possible. Without these conditions it is use- 
Jess to attempt to grow this vegetable for profit. A rich loam-—' 




36 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

made so by a liberal application of manure — will insure moisture 
in localities naturally dry. If the subsoil is inclined to be wet^ 
the use of loose stones, or brick-bats, rubbish, at the bottom of 
the trench will serve a good purpose as a drain. The trench 
should be from twenty to thirty inches deep. The design is both 
to loosen the ground to that depth, and to provide by this means 
a plentiful supply of food for the plants. The stock of fertilizers 
should be abundant, for as long as the bed lasts, all subsequent 
applications of manure must be made in the form of top dressings. 
and cannot be worked down to any depth without injury to the 
young and tender sprouts. Cracked cotton seed composted with 
good stable manure, and used with the top soil of rich dry ham- 
mock land in alternate layers, wdll prove an excellent filling for 
the trenches. Remote -from the sea-shore common salt, c/iloride 
of sodium, will be found very beneficial, as it enters largely into 
the composition of Asparagus. As much as two and a half 
pounds per square yard has been used to very decided advan- 
tage. It may be sprinkled over the layers of fertilizing matter 
in filling the trenches, afterward as a top dressing in early spring. 

The old plan of trenching with the spade will be restricted to 
the family garden, being considered too tedious, and too expen- 
sive for market crops. The next best method is by the subsoil 
immediately following whatever other plow will give the deepest 
open furrow.; the subsoiler not to turn over the soil. The beds 
may be of any convenient length — but not more than five feet 
wide, except where very large areas are planted — with an alley 
or walk two feet wide. The rows should be from fifteen inches 
to three feet apart — depending upon the extent of the crop — the 
greatest distance for field culture. Drop two or three seeds at 



ASPARAGUS. 



87 



intervals of nine or ten inches in the drill, one inch deep and press 
the earth compactly about them. This plan of sowing the seeds 
where the plants are to grow, is recommended by gardeners who 
have been successful in raising Asparagus. It dispenses with the 
tedious work of transplanting, and involves no risk in this climate. 
In garden culture, where the rows are only fifteen inches apart, 
it will be necessary to use the line in laying off rows, and meas- 
uring intervening distances. The seeds may be sown at any fa- 
vorable time in January or first of February. In three or four 
weeks the plants will show above ground, when the less promis- 
ing must be removed, leaving but one to a place. The summer 
work consists in carefully loosening the soil between the plants 
with a prong hoe, and keeping the beds free from weeds, which 
the use of salt will greatly facilitate, as its effect is as noxious to 
weeds as it is salutary to this in common with other saline plants. 

In the fall, when the stems are withered, they should be cut 
down close to the ground, and the bed put in order for the an- 
nual spring dressing, consisting of well rotted barnyard manure, 
•or superphosphate of lime, and salt, if in the interior. If super- 
phosphates are used, let the quantity be at the rate of 3j pounds 
to the square rod, or between 500 and 600 pounds per acre ; if 
stable manure, the ground should be covered with it to the depth 
of two or three inches. Sea weed, if attainable, could be very 
advantageously used in the cultivation of this vegetable, being 
rich in soda, of which Asparagus is largely composed. In its ab- 
sence we must look to wood ashes, or something else, to supply 
the required per cent, of alkali, and confide in the assurance of 
scientists, that plants do not seem to object to the substitution 
of one alkali for another. 



38 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

Just before the buds start forth is the time to apply the ma- 
nure. If done in the fall, as recommended for higher localities. 
not half the benefit will be derived, for which there is no excuse 
in this climate. Use 'the Asparagus fork. This job of working 
in every spring, the supply of manure, is a nice one, and requires 
a skillful manipulation of the fork, or prong hoe, to do the work 
thoroughly, and at the same time avoid bruising the young 
sprouts that may be pushing up. 

If the conditions of soil, preparation, etc., have been fully 
complied with, some shoots may be gathered this season. The 
size and vigor of them will decide. In gathering, let the earth 
be removed down to the bottom of the stalk, and with a pointed 
knife cut off the shoot in a slanting direction. As new shoots 
are constantly putting forth from the same stool, great care must 
be used to guard against injuring the smaller ones. 

Select the largest when they have attained the height of three 
to five inches, and the heads comj^act. The gathering season 
must not be too long protracted, nor the draft on the bed exces- 
sive, especially during the first years of growth. Since the bed 
can never be thoroughly broken up any more after once set with 
plants, the importance of protecting it from being trodden upon, 
becomes obvious. Judicious watering in dry weather is desirable 
during the summer months. Do not cut down the stems in 
autumn before they are withered. If this work has been prema- 
ture, while the plant is still green and growing, the consequence 
will be to induce an immediate growth of shoots at a time when 
they could scarcely come to anything, even if favored by one of 
our exceptionally mild winters. As vegetables no less than 
animals require periods of rest, even in the tropics, undisturbed 



ASPARAGUS. 39 

by fear of winter's cold embrace. The plants would also suffer 
from the loss of their customary yearly supply of stimulating 
food, and present sickly, attenuated stems, in place of those 
usually so robust and tempting. 

The object in having the rows as near as fifteen inches — as in 
small plats, is not so much to economise ground, as it is to utilize 
the manure, of which the supply must be most liberal — some 
may think excessive, yet it is indispensable to success, even where 
the land is naturally good. 

Some gardeners prefer the seed bed and transplanting method. 
It may be well to give both a trial. The same deep trenching 
and thorough manuring is required alike for seed aud j^ermau- 
ent beds. On the seed bed the diills need not be over twelve 
inches apart, and the seeds dibbled along, and carefully covered 
with an inch or so of soil. After they are up above ground, they 
should be thinned to a good gi owing distance. Keep the ground 
stirred and otherwise treated, as already described, through the 
summer. The time for transplanting to the permanent bed, 
which nuist be determined by inspecting the root — is when the 
bud has commenced to grow, about the first of February — as- 
suming that the permanent bed has been thoroughly prepared, 
dig up the plants with the roots as little mutilated as possible, 
which must be carefully spread out in drill or trench opened to 
receive them, and which should be deep enough to give the 
crown a covering of two inches of earth when the trench is filled 
up. Probably eight inches or a little less, depending upon the 
size of the plants. It will be found convenient to cut one side 
of the trench vertical, so that the plants may be supported 
against it while manipulating the roots. Set the plants about 



40 GARDENING IX FLORIDA. 

ten inches apart, and use water freely in the operation and for 
several evenings thereafter if the weather is dry. Too much 
stress can scarcely be laid upon the importance of using great 
care in handling the roots. They should not be bruised nor 
suffered to become dry. 

The duration of an Asparagus bed varies from ten to twenty 
years, determined by the treatment received. One fruitful source 
of injury is excessive gathering. Shoots must be left to induce 
the growth of roots for future supply. The first indication of 
exhaustion should be heeded. 

VARIETIES. 

There seems to be a doubt, and very generally entertained, as 
to there being more than one variety of this vegetable, the 
Colossal. Mr. Gregory, of Marblehead, Mass., however, offers 
what he calls a new and superior variety, called Defiance. 

SEED FOR AX ACRE. 

One ounce of seed will plant about sixty feet of drill. One 
pound will produce 3,000 plants, and six to seven pounds w^ill be 
required for an acre. 

PREPARATION FOR MARKET. 

The shoots are tied up in round bunches of twenty to thirty 
shoots each with bass matting. 

PROFITS. 

That this may be made a very profitable crop, a single obser- 
vation will suffice to show. Taking the minimum number of 
plants estimated to an acre of land, and allowing but two shoots 
to the plant gives 30,000 shoots, then with the maximum number 
of shoots to the bunch, we should have 1,000 bunches, for which 
the quotations in the New York market range from 75 cents to 



BEAN. 41 

$2.00 per dozen bimches, or from $750 to 82,000 gross per 
acre. Certainly an attractive exhibit of its possibilities. And 
not an illusive one with the advantages offered by the soil and 
climate of Florida, especially if assisted by artificial irrigation. 



BEAN. 

Phaseolus. 

ANALYSIS. 

Potassa 36.83 

Lime 7.75 

Sulphuric Acid 3.96 

Phosphoric Acid 1 4.60 

Silicic Acid 4.09 

Chloride of Sodium 2.80 

Soda 18.40 

Magnesia 6.33 

Phosphate of Iron 5.24 

The Bean is of Eastern origin, and is said to be found grow- 
ing wild in Persia at the present day. It has been cultivated in 
the earliest ages of which we have any record. The Greeks and 
Komans held it in high esteem, and accorded it a prominent 
place in their most important feasts. 

As an article of food " for man and beast " it is of great value, 
containing ten per cent, more nutriment than wheat. Yet, not- 
withstanding this, and the fact of its superiority to corn for horse 
feed, it is never cultivated for that purpose in the Southern 
-States. 

The Bean is grown on every variety of soil not too wet, and in 



42 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

all portions of the State. For market, earliness is an object, the 
deep soils of the elevated sections abounding with alkalies are 
best, since crops planted on hill tops are less liable to be nipped 
by late frosts. Wood ashes are beneficial as a fertilizer, and so 
are cotton seed, which should be passed through a mill to crack 
them, and applied to the land a month before planting time. 
Bone flour is another good manure, and old and thoroughly de- 
composed stable manure. If the soil is light and siwidy, fresh barn- 
yard manure and guano should not be used. Frequent watering 
in dry weather by some appliance for irrigation, would greatly 
enhance the value of this crop — as it would intleed of all others. 

Break up the land deep and close, and iifter the manure is ap- 
plied and plowed in, lay off the field into rows thirty inches apart. 
Then with a seed drill let the seed be deposited along this row 
with two or three inches between. The machine of course does 
its own covering. If without a seed planter — a misfortune truly, 
and one to which no market gardener can long submit — the seed 
must be dropped along continuously, or two or three seeds in a 
place, at intervals of live or six inches ond covered with the foot. 
The seed must be planted two inches deep. Where manuring in 
the drill is preferred, the seeds are first dropped and tht^ manure 
distributed over them ; for which purpose the " lay off" furrows 
must be larger and deeper. Of course this method could not be 
practiced with fertilizers whose contact with the seed would be 
hurtful. In such cases it would become necessary to interpose a 
layer of earth between the manure and seed, or drills for the fer- 
tilizer may be made on either side, and parallel to the seed drill. 

It will be better in the end to adopt broad cast manuring, as 
the roots of the plants very soon leave the drill. 



BEAN. 43 

DWARF OR BUSH BEAN. 

Early Mohawk is largely planted for the first crop by mar- 
ket gardeners, being considered less liable to injury from late 
spring frosts. 

Golden Wax, a very choice variety, of a beautiful waxy ap- 
pearance, with round pods, stringless, and very productive. This 
Bean is highly esteemed as a snap for its rich flavor and remark- 
able tenderness. It is said to be an excellent shelled bean also. 

Black Wax is another of the "wax" family of beans. This 
is a good variety, but not quite as early as the the Golden Wax. 

Red and White Valentine and Long Yellow Six Weeks 
are also early and productive varieties ; round pods. 

Of the Running or Pole Snap Beau, the Giant Wax is per- 
haps as good a variety as any, and as a shelled bean. For winter 
use, Dreer's Improved Lima is not excelled. 

CULTURE. 

As soon as the Bush Beans will bear work, after coming up, 
run lightly through the alleys with a cultivator to break the crust 
on the surface of the ground, and destroy any embryo crop of 
grass or weeds that may be springing forth. Later on, the plants 
will require to have the earth drawn carefully up to the stems 
with the hoe. And if the land was properly prepared before 
planting, no other work will be needed. Beans must never be 
worked while the leaves are wet — whether from dew^ or rain — the 
dirt ©n the leaves occasioned thereby will cause the plants to rust. 

Pole Beans should be planted about three and a half feet each 
way. As soon as the bed has been broken up and fertilized — 
the same as for bush beans — set up the poles and plant half a 
dozen bepns around each about two inches deep. The poles may 



44 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

l)c driven in first and the numure scattered around and chopped 
in. Very little after work is needed except to keep down grass 
and weeds. 

SEED rOK AN ACRE. 

To plant one acre witli Bush J^eaus will take from one and a 
hall' to one and three-quarter bushels. One quart will plant 100 
feet of drill. Half a bushel of seed will plant an acre with 
Running or Pole Beans. 

The Bean is regarded as one of the staple vegetables of Florida. 
Not .so j)rofitable as some others, but it is easily grown, and in 
ihose sections where it is chiefly cultivated, easily harvested. 



BEET. 

Beta Vulgaris. 

ANALYSIS. 

Potassa 10.51 

Soda 21.12 

Lime 3.25 

Magnesia •. G.96 

J^esqni-Oxido of Iron 0.09 

k5ul})liuric Aeid 2.4G 

Carbonie Acid 29.10 

Ph..s})li,.rie Aeid 2.39 

Chloride ofSodinin 2.35 

Snnd and Silieie Aeid 14.11 

This valuable esculent is said to have obtained its name from 
a fancied resemblance of its seed to the second letter of the Greek 
alphabet. It is a native of the seashore, and grows wild along 



BEET. 45 

the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The best soil is a deep 
sandy loam, thoroughly enriched with ashes, salt, cotton seedy 
and old stable manure. SeaAveed, plowed under some time 
before planting, would serve an excellent purpose. 

This is a profitable vegetable to grow for market if early 
enough. Our ordinary winters are sufficiently mild to permit 
its open air culture with safety. Occasionally, however, they are 
"nipped" by a December or early January freeze in the north- 
ern districts of the State. This is especially the case when it is 
planted in valleys where the soil is much more suitable — aside 
from its greater fertility. On the hill tops the crop is much 
more likely to escape injury from cold. 

If the crop is to be worked by hand, the rows need not be 
more than twelve to fifteen inches apart, but if horse-power is to 
be employed — greater distance must be given — from two to three 
feet. When the saving in seed — which are costly — the better 
work, and greater dispatch are duly considered, no market 
grower of this vegetable can afford to be without a good seed 
drill. The seed should be dropped along at short intervals of an 
inch or two to insure a stand in drills three inches deep. They 
should not be thinned to a stand the first going over, as they are 
liable to be destroyed by cut worms. When finally reduced to 
a stand, they should be about six inches apart where the rows 
are close, and four inches in the wider rows. If the Aveather is 
dry at the time of sowing the seed, the earth should be well 
pressed down, either with a roller or by walking on the planted 
row. The seed will vegetate sooner by being soaked the night 
before in water. The young plants removed in the operation of 
thinning, may be used in extending the plat by transplanting. It 



46 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

is one of the very best vegetables for successful transplanting we 
have. On account of which, the sowings, for. a family garden 
are frequently made in a box, relying entirely on transplanting. 
As to the labor, it is no greater than thinning, and almost as ex- 
peditious. And the per cent, of loss in transplanting beets is 
quite small, scarcely appreciable. 

VARIETIES. 

Egyptian Turnip — The earliest and perhaps the best — deep 
crimson, sweet, and of delicate flavor. 

Early Blood Turnip — This w^as the standard among our 
truck farmers, before the introduction of the Egyptian, which" is 
claimed to be earlier. 

Early Yellow Turnip — Similar, except in color, to the 
Early Blood Turnip. 

Pine Apple — An English variety of superior quality. 

The above are. cultivated for the table. For feeding stock and 
especially milch cows, a larger variety of the Beet family, Man- 
gel WuRZEL, is extensively raised by Northern farmers. There 
is the Long Ked, and Long Yellow Mangel Wurzel. 

The immense yield of this vegetable — exceeding that of the 
Sweedish or Ruta Baga turnip, makes it the cheapest for stock 
knoAvn. 

The White or Sugar Beet is largely grown in Europe and 
in parts of the United States for sugar making. It can never 
compete with the sugar cane, however, as a sugar-yielding 
product. 

Beet growers for Northern and Western markets should begin 
to ship by the time the beets are half grown. Crop off the top 
within two or three inches of the base. 



BORECOLE. 



47 



Sow the seed about the first of November. The quantity will 
of course be determined by the distance between rows, and close- 
ness in the drill — varying from four to eight pounds per acre. 
When sold by the hundred it is best to ship in barrels. 



BORECOLE. 



Brassica Oleracea Fimbriata. 

This vegetable, known also 
as " Kale," and " G e r m a n 
Greens," is one of the hardi- 
est, and at the same time, one 
of the most delicate, for table 
use, of the cabbage tribe. 
It is extensively cultivated in 
l^all European countries, and 
^ also in some of the Northern 
States of the Union, where it is raised, though not largely, for 
market. 

The most popular market variety is Dwarf German Greens 
or Sprouts. It is slightly tinged with a bluish green color, sim- 
ilar to the Rutabaga turnip. 

Green Curled Scotch, a dwarfish variety as to height — 
generally about eighteen inches — but spreads to a diameter of 
three feet. The leaves curl up handsomely and make an attrac- 
tive bed. This is considered the hardiest variety — not affected 




48 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

by any degree of cold above zero, except to be made more ten- 
der and palatable. 

Purple Borecole is the favorite variety with the Germans. 
The English prefer a dwarf variety known as " Cottager's Kale." 
"It is about twelve inches high, double curled, and feathered al- 
most to the ground." 

Borecole has a large, loose open head, of agreeable flavor, 
requiring no protection"from frosts, such as visit Florida, and the 
wonder is that it is so entirely overlooked. 

The culture is similar^to that of the cabbage, which is minute- 
ly described under that head, and so of the preparation of the 
soil, fertilizers, etc. It must, hoAvever, have more space than that 
fixed upon as an average. In rich soil the plants should not be 
set nearer together than two and a half by three feet. 

Sow the seed in narrow beds about first November and trans- 
plant when the plants have four leaves. Or the seed may be 
sown, three or four to a hill, where the plants are to grow. It is 
important to "earth up" the soil around the base of the stem to 
guard against the upsetting of the plant by the wind, after the 
leaves are pretty well grown. The tops become quite .heavy. 
This should be done before the leaves have become too large for 
manipulating with the hoe, without breaking or bruising them. 



BROCCOLI, 

Brassica Oleracea Botrytis. 
There is no doubt that this vegetable is intimately allied to 
the Cauliflower. Indeed some gardeners object to their separa- 



BROCCOLI. 



49 




tion. Although not as delicate of flavor as Cauliflower, yet it 

possesses advantages which s h o u 1 d 
connnend it to the attention of market 
gardeners. 

Broccoli is a a hardier plant than 
Cauliflower, and is therefore safer to 
plant in Northern Florida, where the 
Cauliflower is frequently killed. It is 
said to be able to resist a degree of cold as severe as 25^ above 
zero, and sells for only three per cent, less than Cauliflower. 
Another advantage over that vegetable, as a market product, 
consists in its standing shipping better. 

Like the Cauliflower, it is a gross feeder — requiring the land 
to be made exceedingly rich — and can be much more successful- 
ly grown on moist, than it can on dry land. 

The White Cape is perhaps the surest, of the different sorts, 
to head. The heads-r-of only medium size — are of a creamy 
white, and compact. 

Purple Cape differs from the preceediug in little else than 
color, which is of a greenish purple. It is thought to be a little 
hardier than the white, but commands less price on account of 
its color. 

Early Walcheren makes the earliest heads, yet not as com- 
pact as some of the others. 

See Cauliflower for directions respecting cultivation, etc. Sow 
the seed first of November. 



50 



GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 



BRUSSEL SPROUTS. 

Brassiea Oleracea. 

This is aiiotlier "Greens " l)earin2: 
ve2!:etal)le. It is much esteemed in 



England, Avhere it is extensively 
grown ; but it is very little cultivated 
in this country. Being delicate, and 
quite sensitive to cold, the Northern 
winters are too severe, while here at 
the South where it may be grown it is 
seldom seen. By some it is thought 
to be a vai-iety of the Savoy fiimily of 
cabbages, tender and of delicate flavor. 
Its appearance is peculiar. Grow- 
ing to the height of four feet under 
favorable conditions, and the stalk covered with little green 
cabbage heads, about the size of walnuts, which spring from the 
base of the leaves. The leaves drop off and the little buds or 
heads are left sticking closely around the stalk. 

The top leaves — comprising the crown, may be cut off and 
boiled like cabbage, but the buds around the main stalk are 
mostly prized and eaten. 

The sprouts are good all winter, cultivate the same as Cab- 
bages, setting the plants two feet each way. 




CABBAGE. 51 

CABBAGE. 

Brassica Oleracea. 

ANALYSIS. 

Silicic Acid 0.06 

Sulphuric Acid 1.12 

Phosphoric Acid •■ 1.27 

Phosphate of Lime 0.12 

Lime 0.29 

3Iagnasia 0. 35 

Potash 2.09 

Soda 3.02 

Chlorine 0.08 

This is one of the most valuable of vegetables to the Florida 
market gardener for the following reasons : 

1. It can be grown through the winter months, to meet the 
early spring demand in higher latitudes. . 

2. The limited area in which this immunity is enjoyed, will 
always insure remunerative j^rices. 

>). The bulk of the crop may be shipped at a season of the year 
Avhen the delay of a day or two will not materially affect its 
market value. * 

4. It is easily cultivated ; is liable to fewer casualties in pro- 
duction and therefore surer ; and will bear without injury a con- 
siderable amount of rough handling in transportation. 

VARIETIES. 

The varieties of the Cabbage — ^judging from seed catalogues 
are quite numerous ; but there is little doubt that in many cases 
the same Cabbage bears as many names as there are or have 
been seedsmen — the differences claimed being either imaginary 
or due to the modifying effects of climate, soil and culture^ 



h'l 



GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 



Among those most successfully cultivated by market gardeners^ 
may be mentioned : 

Early Jersey Wakefield : Is an early and very popular 
variety in the Northern market. Here it does not attain much 
size. 

Early AVinningstadt : An excellent kind of good shipping 
size when properly cultivated, and a sure header. It grows well 
on any kind of land. The heads are conical and very firm. 




Fottler's Improved Early Brunswick : Is one of the- 
best varieties for the general market. Heads of medium to 
large size ; they are flat on top, and very handsome. It is 
largely planted. 

Early Giant Bleichfield : This is the earliest of the large 
heading varieties. Of recent introduction and not much known^ 
but as far as tried has given great satisfliction. 



CABBAGE. 



53 



Flat Dutch : An old standard sort, and favorably regarded 
everywhere. Has a short stalk and fine, large, flat head. 




Henderson's Early SuMxMer : This is a good cabbage for 
^varm weather, has a head of medium size. 

Improved American Savoy : The Savoy Cabbages are 
more delicately flavored than any others, and should always be 
grown for home use. They are also planted for shipping, but 
the heads nre Hot so firm as most of the other kinds. 

QUANTITY of SEED FOR AN ACRE. 

One ounce of Cabbage seed will ordinarily produce 2,000 
plants. So to plant an acre two feet each way, thus allotting 
four square feet to a plant would require 10,890 plants in exact 
figures; the product of about five and a half ounces, but eight 
ounces — half a pound — will not be too many to provide. 

As the sowing of seed should begin the latter part of Septem- 
ber, when the heat of the sun is intense the greater part of the 
day — a cool shaded spot in the garden should be selected for 
seed beds. But it will not do to rely upon trees for protection, 



54 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

for violent rain-storms and the drip from trees are about as fatal 
to young plants as the sun's rays. It will therefore be better to 
provide a moveable shelter of cheap cotton cloth, one that can be 
quickly and easily adjusted for sudden emergencies. With sucli 
an arrangement, which need cost but a trifle, the plants can be 
exposed to sunshine or not as may be desired. Sowing in boxes, 
when practicable, will be found of advantage, both on account 
of the greater facility in sheltering the tender plants, and the 
better protection from insects. The boxes should be raised from 
the ground two feet or more. If beds are adopted, make them 
four feet broad with walks two feet wide for convenience in sow- 
ing, weeding, thinning, watering, transplanting, etc. 

The soil should be only moderately rich, but light and well 
pulverized — very rapid growth makes the young plants too deli- 
cate. Sow the seed in drills one inch deep and four inches apart, 
and avoid the common error of sowing too thick. Lay a board 
over each drill after covering and press down firmly. For a seed 
bed a plank laid over the covered drill and walked upon answers 
every purpose. Should the plants, in spite of every effort to the 
contrary, be crowded, as is very apt to be the case, remove them 
to other beds or boxes, as soon as they have four leaves, and give 
them a distance of two by four inches each. 

Begin seed sowing about the 20th of September, and continue 
with intervals of a week until 1st December. The object for ex- 
tending the period of sow^ing through so many weeks is to multi- 
ply the chances of the young phmts escaping the ravages of in- 
sects, and the better to iiisure favorable seasons for at least a por- 
tion of the crop. Be sure to have an ample supply of plants. 
Beginners frequently make a serious, and sometimes an irrepara- 



CABBAGE. 55 

ble mistake iu this matter. Better have a surplus, and submit 
to the loss of a few cents or dimes, than incur the risk of a good 
i«tand. In those sections of the State where insects — particularly 
the cut worm — are troublesome, twice as many plants should be 
provided as the area to be planted calls for. 

Fine specimens of cabbage heads, large and firm, have been 
produced all over this State, and upon almost every kind of land. 
Cabbages grown on oyster shell land near the coast, are said to 
have escaped ''clubfoot" during an experience of fifty years. 
Lime in some form is essential, and must be applied to soils in 
which it is deficient. Bone flour — phosphate of lime — is an ex- 
cellent fertilizer, and so is stable manure, or pure guano com- 
bined with gypsum — which is the sulphate of lime. Common 
salt will furnish soda,. and ashes potash. Cotton seed is another 
good manure. They should, however, be cracked and applied 
some little time in advance. If the cake is used mix it with gyp- 
sum. The quantity of fertilizing substances required for an acre 
of ground will depend upon the character and condition of the 
soil. Each cultivator must decide for himself. Market garden- 
ers in the vicinity of New York make an annual application of 
from 75 to 100 tons of stable manure, or 1,200 pounds of Peru" 
vian guano, or one ton of Bone flour. This heavy manuring, it 
is true, is for heavy cropping, lapping one crop over another. 
But will our climate not admit of raising as many crops in a sea- 
son as that of New York ? This is just the point. Our intensive 
system must advance a few steps. We need more liberal fertiliz- 
ing, and better cultivation, in order to realize the rich harvests 
which Providence, under these favoring skies, has placed within 
our reach. As long as the cost of seed, the value of land, and 



56 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

expense of cultivation are as great in poor as good tillage, so 
long will it be false economy to restrict the plants to an inade- 
quate supply of food. 

In general terms, the land, to bring a good crop of cabbages, 
should be rich enough to produce sixty bushels of corn. 

It is scarcely necessary to add that cow-pen lands are admira- 
bly adapted to this, as they are to almost every other crop, espe- 
cially if the surface is turned under two or three times while be- 
ing trodden by cattle. 

With the ground closely and deeply ploughed — subsoiled, if 
needed — and well fertilized, the next step is to "lay off," Some 
of the early varieties of cabbage are planted as close as 1^x2 
feet, while the "Marblehead Mammoth" requires nearly double 
the distance. Two feet each way is a fair average for the general 
crop. This allows four square feet to the plant, and will give 
10,890 plants to the acre. Or in round numbers, 10,000, making 
a liberal discount for casualties, imperfect stand, fiulure to head, 
etc. If the land is ajDproximately level, it may be checked off 
with a plow. If so hilly as to require horizontal rows, the dis- 
tance along the rows may be rapidly and accurately marked by 
a spacer. 

As the plants in the seed bed or boxes arrive at the ^oroper 
size commence transplanting. 

Should a rainy day happen along when everything is in readi- 
ness, improve every moment of it. But do not wait for such a 
spell to the probable detriment of the plants. The transplanting 
can be accomplished just as successfully without as with a rain. 
Its absence only imposts a little more labor, and diminishes the 
number that might be put out at one time. For if the weather is 



CABBAGE. 57 

svarm, the work had better l)e done late iu the afternoon. The 
seed bed should be softened with water beforehand so that the 
j^lants may be taken up without injuring the roots. Place them 
;as fast as they are gathered with the aid of a trowel or wooden 
paddle into a shallow vessel containing enough water to keep the 
roots wet, and just before planting dip the roots into a sort of 
thin mortar, previously prepared of cow dung, clay and water. 
This operation is called puddling the plants ; the effect of which 
is to keep the roots moist, thereby inducing a quicker growth. 
Set the plants deep into the ground and be careful to press the 
earth well up to the roots, finishing the job with a little water, 
^vhich settles the soil between and around the roots still more 
-effectually. 

The fall and winter plantings will rarely require any other 
attention, until it becomes evident they have taken root, when 
with a prong hoe, the soil immediately around the plant must be 
loosened, especially in clay lands, where it gets very hard from 
4he process of transplanting. 

The tap-root should be pinched oft' if not broken by the act of 

■digging up ; the reason for which is, its alleged interference in 

;Sorae unaccounable way with the heading of the plant. It is a 

well-established fact, that Cabbages planted where they are to 

j remain permanently, do not produce as many nor as firm heads 

is the transplants, and this would seem to favor the tap-root 

theory. Some years since the experiment was tried in one of 

\he most intelligent communities in this State by a number of 

mtlemen, and resulted in favor of transplanting. It will pay 

ii the end to subject the plants to close inspection and reject all 

iuit are deficient in fibrous roots. They rarely come to much. 



58 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

For at least a fortnight after the bed or field has been planted,, 
supply all missing places, caused by worms or otherwise, as fast 
as they occur. 

Frequent stirring of the soil is universally conceded to be of 
great advantage to the Cabbage crop, which not only promotes 
its more rapid growth, but its tendency to head — since heading 
is one of the wonders wrought by cultivation — and never seen in 
the wild plant. The idea of working the Cabbage bed "early in 
the morning, while the Jeaves are wet with dew," quoted by 
every old farmer, originated, probably, from the supposed 
destruction to insects which would result from the adhesion of 
soil to the leaves. The cool portions of the day is always best 
for working tender garden plants, after hot weather has set in. 

To prevent the' heads from bursting after reaching maturity, 
lean the plant over to one side thereby breaking some of the 
roots and thus dimini;-h the number of its feeding organs. 

In gathering for shipping, cut the heads in the cool part of the 
day, and spread in the shade several hours before packing in 
barrels. Strip the head of all outer leaves except two or three 
to protect from bruises, and pack very closely in the barrel, in 
which should be a number of holes for ventilation, and if canvass 
is used for top heading, fill the barrel until the heads project 
above the staves so as to insure a full package. 

After the land has been thoroughly prepared, the subsequent 
culture is light and can be performed with the aidofimpl'e 
ments by hand. The garden plow and hand cultivator make t 
possible to dispense with the use of the horse in several of oir 
market crops, this among tliem, and gain thereby. Such a 
declaration may sound like taking a step backward, but it is 



("ARROT. 59' 

nevertheless true. Broadcast fertilizing will eventually be adopt- 
ed by vegetable growers, so that it will be desirable to plant with 
an eye to obtaining as much as possible from a given area, no 
matter how cheap land may be. 

Where horse power is employed wider rows are required — and 
consequently there will be fewer plants than where the field or 
patch is worked by hand, i. e., man power. To illustrate. An 
acre in Cabbages for instance, which is to be cultivated by horse 
power, must have the rows three feet apart, while for hand cul- 
ture they may be two feet or even less, to grow the same size 
Cabbage, a gain of thirty-three and a third per cent. To use 
figures, the three feet rows will contain 7,260 plants to the acre, 
and those having but two feet distance foot up 10,890, the dis- 
tance in the drill to be the same in both — two feet. A difference 
of 3,630 in favor of close planting and hand cultivation, without 
estimating for those trodden dow^i and otherwise injured by the 
horse, or the space to be left at the ends of the rows for turning. 



CARROT. 

Dauciis Carota. 

This vegetable, even for stock, is not grown to any extent in 
this State. In the garden, a row or two, for flavoring soups, is 
sometimes seen. It is very valuable root for feeding to stock of 
all kinds, either in the cooked or raw state. Combined in equal 
parts with oats, it is better horse feed than all oats. Besides, it 



so GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

Is easily cultiv^ated through our mild winters — requiring less fer- 
tility of soil than similar plants — and very productive. In Kew 
England, 600 bushels per acre is an ordinary crop. Smaller 
plots have been made to yield at the rate of 1,000 bushels per 
acre. 

The varieties of Carrot, of which there are many, arg divided 
into two families — 

1st. Those with a regular fusiform root, which are named 
Long Carrots. 

2nd. Those having one root nearly cylindrical, abruptly ter- 
minating, but continuing with a long, slender tap root, which are 
denominated Horn Carrots. 

The second kinds are preferred for their flavor, and for shal- 
low soils, while the first is generally used for the main crop. 

VARIETIES. 

Half Long Red (stump-rooted), Danvers, and Long Or- 
ange Improved. 

Analysis of the root of the Carrot gives the following result: 

ANALYSIS. 

Potassa 37.55 

Soda 12.63 

Lime 9.76 

Magnesia 3.78 

Sesqu ioxide of Iron 0. 74 

Sulphuric Acid 6.34 

Silica 0.76 

Carbonic Aci d 15.15 

Phosphoric Acid 8.37 

Chloride of Sodiuni 4.91 

Ashes, charcoal, lime, superphosphates, salt and gypsum are 
:the special manures, nearly all of which stable manure will sup* 



CASSAVA. 61 

ply. It is best, after fertilizing the land, to plant some other 
crop — so it is not a root crop — and let Carrots succeed that. 
If the ground is made very rich from recent manuring, the plant 
will make top rather than root. 

For field culture, sow in rows two feet apart — about eighteen 
inches in gardens — and thin out to three or four inches apart in the 
drill. As the seed are very minute, mix fine sand with them in 
sowing. They germinate slowly, and unless care is taken with 
the preparation of the soil, it will be overrun with weeds before 
the young Carrots appear. In the clay region of Middle Flor- 
ida, this will be found an excellent vegetable for the dairyman, 
and stock-raiser. 



CASSAVA vs. TAPIOCA. 

Many persons are of the opinion that Cassava belongs to an 
entirely different genus from Tapioca, whereas the first is the 
name of the " meal, or the bread made from it, obtained from 
the roots of several species of the genus Manihot (from the In- 
dian Manioc) — plants of the family of the Euphorbiaeece, which 
grow in the West Indies, South America and Africa." And the 
second, the Tapioca of commerce — sometimes called Brazilian 
Arrowroot — is the name for a delicate and nearly pure starch 
deposited from the juice of the same vegetable species as that 
which produces the meal or bread, as above stated, and called 
Cassava. 

From the genus Manihot came the three species, Manihot util- 



62 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

i.myna, M. Aipl, and 31. Janipha. " The first is the bitter Cas- 
sava, indigenous to Brazil, and cultivated in other parrs of South 
America. It is a shrub six to eight feet high, with a large tu- 
berous root which sometimes weighs thirty pounds. This root 
contains a large proportion of starch, which is associated with a 
poisonous, milky juice containing hydrocyanic acid, and a bitter 
acrid principle. The other two species do not possess this poison- 
ous principle. All are used in the prepartion of the meal,'^ of 
which Cassava is the true name. " The root is well washed, then 
scraped or grated to a pulp, and this, when of the poisonous kind, 
is thoroughly pressed in order to remove the juice ; but even if 
some of this is left in the meal, it escapes by its volatility in the 
process of baking or drying the cakes upon a hot iron plate. 
Afterward Mried in the sun, the Cassava is kept as food to be 
mixed with water and baked like flour in large thin cakes." ^ ^ 

" Its nourishing qualities consist in the starch of which it is 
principally composed." 

The manifest object in these operations is the production of 
bread, and not starch. In a process adopted to insure the thor- 
ough expurgation of every vestige of poison, starch has been ac- 
cidentally produced. 

Starch is made by first cleansing the vegetable to be used of 
dirt; then it is scraped or grated by hand or machinery; after this 
grated pulp has been steeped for hours in pure cold water, the 
water is slowly drawn off from the top, and the precipitate or re- 
siduum is starch. 

The following directions as to the soil for the Cassava or Tapi- 
£)ca, together with hints for cultivation, propagation, etc., etc., 



CAULIFLOWER. 6-> 

are by J. P. Langlois, Esq., in the English Agricultural Society 
of India. 

Soil. — This plant will thrive in any soil, although a sandy 
loam is the best. 

Cultivation. — It requires no cultivation whatever, and is oc 
■casionally met with in Aurakan growing wild in the jungle. 

Propagation — By cutting, care being taken to use the stronger 
branches. The cuttino; must be from two to three fe-^t lono; : to 
be placed in the ground in an upright position, and in rows four 
feet apart. 

Preparation. — Twelve months after planting, the roots are 
fit to be dug up. They must then be well washed and put into 
a trough with water, in which they are allowed to remain six 
hours, when the outer bark will be easily removed, and then 
follows the grating of the roots, steeping in water for eight hours, 
which is but a minute account of making starch. 



CAULIFLOWER. 

Brassiea Oleracea Botrytis. 

Of all the Brassiea family Cauliflower is perhaps most 
highly esteemed wherever its good qualities are well known. By 
Northern market gardeners it is considered one of the most prof- 
ta])le crops raised by them. 

It is, as has been already observed, nearly allied to Brocoli ; 
so closely, indeed, that a distinction between them can be scarcely 
maintained. 



64 



GARDENING IN FLOKIDA. 




As au article of food 
it is much more deli- 
cate and digestible than 
Cabbages. Hence per- 
sons of sedentary habits, 
whom experience has- 
taught to refrain in toto' 
from cooked Cabbage,, 
can partake of this sav- 
ory vegetable with im- 
punity. 

The cultivation of Cauliflower is as yet quite limited in Flor- 
ida, but there is no good reason why it should not become a 
'profitable market crop. It cannot endure any great degree of 
heat, on account of which it should be planted so that the crop 
may come off before hot weather. There is probably no veget- 
able grown for market that would derive more substantial benefit 
from artificial irrigation than this. Delighting in a moist soil, 
the efifect of irrigation would be to insure its profitable culture. 

According to Peter Henderson, whose opinions in all horticul- 
tural matters are entitled to the highest respect, "Any soil that 
will grow early Cabbages, will grow Cauliflowers, as their re- 
quirements are almost similar." And, continuing the subject in 
his admirable work on ''Gardening for Profit," Mr. H. remarks: 
"But as the product is more valuable, extra manuring and 
preparation of the soil will be well repaid." 

Our own experience confirms this, except that Cabbages can 
be successfully produced on land too dry to perfect the Cauli- 
flower, and that this difi^erence in their requirements is not 



CAULIFLOWER. 65 

peculiar to this climate. Mr. Henderson further adds: "In sit- 
uations where irrigation could be practiced, it would be of great 
benefit in dry weather. We have occasionally found, when our 
beds were convenient to water, that even watering by hand has 
been of advantage. But few or no other crops of our garden 
will repay that labor." C. W. Johnson likewise recommends 
that in dry weather during summer, " a cup-like bowl be formed 
around each plant and filled with water at least twice a week, 
but as soon as the flower makes its appearance, it must be applied 
every other day." Which we cordially endorse, with the word 
"other, '^ near the close of the last sentence, ^omitted, making it 

EVERY DAY. 

We here insert an analysis of the Cauliflower : 

ANALYSIS. 

Potassn 34.39 

Soda 14.79 

Lime 2.96 

Magnesia 2.38 

Sulphuric Acid 11.16 

Sillicic Acid 1.92 

Phosphoric Acid 25. 84 

Phosphate of Irou 3.67 

Chloride of Sodium 2.78 

By comparing the constituents of stable manure already given 
with this table, it will be seen how important a fertilizer it is in 
this, as it is in nearly every crop grown. The same is true of 
cotton see4, more especially after the oil has been expressed. Of 
the above special manures, we would recommend ashes, bone- 
flour, gypsum and salt. 

In this State, most every truck farmer has some low, rich spot 

of bottom, lake or river margin, suitable for the production of 
5 



^6 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

the Cauliflower. It must, however, be well drained land, and 
no matter how fertile it may seem to be naturally, a liberal sup- 
ply of manure will more certainly insure handsome flower heads 
to the plants, and profitable returns to the planter. 

Of the dozen or more varieties grown in the United States, the 
three following are recommended as well adapted to our soil and 
climate, viz : 

Early Snowball. — It is early ; has large heads ; a sure 
header; dwarf as to stalk, having short leaves which admits of 
being planted closer than other varieties. 

Extra Early Paris. — A superior variety, with fine white 
heads. 

Extra Early Dwarf Erfurt. — A favorite market variety; 
heads large and compact. 

Sow the seed in boxes as you would Cabbages, using every 
precaution to avoid having them too thick, as the seed are too 
costly to waste ; besides, when crowded, they become spindling 
and feeble. The soil in the boxes should be rich, finely pulver- 
ized and damp. Protect from beating rains, and for two or 
three hours during the heat of the day, if sown before the 
middle of October. 

The planting season may extend from September to Decem- 
ber, though the main crop should be planted by or before the 
1st of November. 

The ground for Cauliflower, especially in stiff lands, can 
scarcely be too deeply broken up and pulverized. Being a deli- 
cate plant, great care is required in the process of working, to 
avoid coming in contact with the leaves, which can only be 
accomplished by light or surface culture. Hence the necessity 



CELERY. 67 

o'! doing all heavy work previous to transplanting. Manure 
more heavily than for Cabbages ; the returns will fully warrant 
it. As the plants, ^^ith similar treatment, attain a larger 
growth here than in the Northern States, they should have more 
ilistance. Therefore, with ample ground, the rows should be 
three feet apart, and the plants two feet in the row. Work early 
.and often, drawing a little earth up to the plants each time. 
For late-planted crops, which head after warm weather has set 
in, in the Spring, break off some of the outer leaves to protect 
the heads after they have matured. 

It is advisable to do this before maturity, where exposed to hot 
sunshine, as it tends to darken the snowy flowers, and thereby 
Aliminish their market value. 



CELERY. 

Apium Graveolens. 

ANALYSIS. 

Potassa 22.07 

Lime 13.11 

Magnesia 5.82 

Oxide of Manganese 1.92 

Sulphuric Acid 5.58 

Silicic Acid 3. 85 

Phosphoric Acid 1 1 . 58 

Phosphate of Iron 2.66 

Chloride of Potassium 33.41 

Contrary to the opinion prevalent among most of the market 
gardeners in this State, Celery is one of the easiest and surest 
.crops we can grow. It may also be made one of the most profit- 



68 



GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 




able. To do this, however,- 
it is important, in addition 
to the essential require- 
ments of soil and culture^ 
so to time the planting, as 
to have the crop ready for 
market a month or six 
weeks earlier than the 
usual period. In other words, arrange the time of planting so 
that the shipments may begin in January instead of March as 
heretofore. 

This being the maximum period of visitors to our State, when 
vegetables are scarce and costly, a large home trade would spring 
up, and in addition to Northern markets, profitable shipments 
may be made to Savannah, Charleston, Macon, Augusta and 
Atlanta. 

The seeds are tardy in germinating, and the growth of the 
young plants is very slow ; so that ample time must be allowed. 
It will require about three months from the time of the sowing 
of the seed for the plants to attaiu sufficient size and vigor fur 
transplanting, and as much longer to become ready for market. 
Therefore for a January crop the seeds should be planted in Au- 
gust. Prepare boxes or narrow seed-beds as in Cabbage and 
Cauliflower, and protect against sun and rain when necessary. 
One ounce of seed will plant twenty feet of drill and six ounces 
will furnish enough plants for an acre, but it will be safe to pro- 
vide one pound. They scarcely require covering, gently patting 
them in with the back of a spade will answer the purpose. 

It will be useless to attempt to grow Celery for market on 



CELERY. 69 

iiny other but moist grouDd. To plant it on high, dry land— 
whether clay or sand — and depend upon watering, would be a fail- 
ure. Near the sea coast there is no scarcity of land well suited 
to its growth. Indeed, this is its home. Wild Celery or Small- 
age Parsely — an acrid, and to some extent poisonous plant- 
whence our delightful and wholesome vegetable w^as originally 
obtained and improved by the Italians — is a native of salt 
marshes. Yet this fact does not prohibit its culture away from 
the sea, provided salt is used freely with the manure. Alluvial 
bottoms, lake magins, and reclaimed swamp lands not iinfre- 
quently afford soils in which it thrives well. 

Supposing a plot of damp, level land, with a ric/i soil to have 
lieen secured — it must be very thoroughly broken up with plow 
or spade, and free from everything calculated to interfere with 
clean, nice cultivation. If inclined to lumps or clods, use a har- 
row, horse or hand rake, or prong hoe, according to the area or 
nature of the ground. Where necessary to use salt — and it will 
be necessary in all interior localities — it may either be sown 
broadcast previous to breaking up, or afterwards in the drill 
.along with the manure. 

Lay off the rows oi feet apart — running twice in the same fur- 
row. Into this furrow — which should be broad as well as deep — 
<iistribute strong, short stable manure at the rate of at least one 
good cartload to every fifty linear feet. It will be observed from 
the analysis that ashes may be freely used to advantage, also in 
smaller quantities, lime and gypsum. Cover the manure with 
a furrow on either side and level off with a board if operating on 
a large scale. Or the work of covering and levelling may be 
done with a hand rake. After this, the rows for setting out the 



70 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

plants may be marked by a small furrow — taking care to folloAV 
the first furrow as closely as possible. For the work of " layiiio: 
off," a capital implement is the garden or hand plough. On 
short beds the line will be serviceable. 

As the plants are taken from the seed-bed, the smaller stem? 
and drooping leaves may be clipped off to advantage. This o])- 
eration is also done a time or two previous to their removal, Ur 
encourage the growth of the roots. 

Set the plants tw^o to three inches deep and about five inches 
apart in the drill, using water copiously if the weather is dry, 
and press the earth firmly around the roots. With ordinary care 
they rarely require replanting. 

When the plants are a foot high having taken root and grown 
off vigorously, draw the soil with a hoe from midway between- 
the rows to the roots of the plants, and then with the hand pack 
it snugly around each, so as to force the branches and leaves into 
an upright position. This operation is repeated from time to- 
time as required by the growth of the plants, and is called 
" blanching." After the ridges have reached the desired height, 
they are finished off" with the spade, using the back to smooth 
the sides of each ridge and leaving them in shape like the letter 
A. About two weeks after the last operation the Celery will 
be ready for use. 

Another method of blanching is to make one job of it. After 
transplanting the plants, receive ordinary cultivation until full 
growth is attained. They are then treated as described for blanch- 
ing, except that the work is all merged into a single operation. 

Among the advocates of this plan are some noted English hor 
ticulturists. They claim that larger, finer bunches are obtained 



CELERY. 71 

by it, and in less time ; and moreover, that it " saves a vast deal 
of trouble tj the laborer." The long-continued process of "hill- 
ing up," with the earth constantly surrounding the plant, im- 
pedes its growth, they think, and induces decay. There is no 
doubt that a plant will develop faster and more perfectly while 
enjoying all the essentials of growth without stint. 

Blanching is also effected by using boards, straw, etc. Light 
being the source of all color, blanching is the result of its exclusion. 

Some few gardeners still adhere to the old system of digging 
deep trenches, and filling up as the plants grow. The level cul- 
ture, however, is so much less troublesome that it will soon en- 
tirely supersede trenching. 

There are two distinct kinds of celery, white and red, and of 
these there are several varieties each. The Dwarf White Solid 
seems to be preferred in most markets, Boston alone excepted, 
although the crimson variety is admitted to be the richest, both 
in appearance and flavor. 

Incomparable Dwarf White and Incomparable Dwarf 
Crimson are very superior sorts, solid, compact, tender, crisp 
and juicy, and differ only in color. . 

Boston Market is grown exclusively by market gardeners in 
the vicinity of Boston. It has quite a cluster of heads, instead 
of a single one like the other kinds. 

Golden Heart is also of dwarf habit, with a rich flavor, and 
of a pure golden color, very showy. 

Peter Henderson claims to have produced a new variety, which 
he calls White Plumed. It is said to possess all the good qual- 
ities of the other white solid varieties, with the additional one of 
a peculiarly strong, upright growth. The leaves, of their own ac- 



72 



GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 



cord growing close, and parallel to the heart or center stem. 

Beginners in celery culture are likely to become discouraged 
by the length of time it takes seeds to germinate during the hot 
months of summer — the season for planting the main crop — and 
find fault with the seed. They will come up in less than half 
the time in cool weather. A month or more may elapse after 
planting before the summer crop shows above ground. And the 
necessity of protecting the young plants from rain and sun dur- 
ing the heat of the day must not be forgotten. The drip from 
trees should also be avoided. And finally, do not neglect to go 
over the young plants two or three times with a pair of scissors, 
giving them a shearing while in the box or seed bed. It will in- 
duce a stocky growth. 



CELERIAC OR TURNIP-ROOTED CELERY. 

This vegetable is rarely 
seen in the 'United States. 
With the (Jormans, how- 
ever, it is (juite popular, 
and is extensively culti- 
vated in the Fatherland. 
It is shaped like a tur- 
nip, with a sweet, but well 
defined celery fiavor, and 
is used chiefly in seasoning 
meats and soups. 

The general treatment 
is, with the exception of blanching, similar to that of celery. The 
bulb is the only part used. 




CORN. 73 

CORN. 

Zea Mays. 

The cultivation of Corn is 
so generally and so well un- 
derstood in this State as to 
make it entirely unnecessary 
to enter into particulars. 

The object in touching up- 
on it at all is to suggest some 
varieties of rare excellence, 
give the analysis, and to re- 
move, if possible, the preju- 
<lice our farmers entertain 
against one of our very best 
vegetables — i. e., sugar-corn. 
If those who have been 
most determined in their op- 
position to all of the "little 
stalk " varieties will make 
just one more experiment, 
and faithfully carry out our 
directions, we feel confident 
they Avill never grow any oth- 
er than the "sweet" sorts for 
culinary use in the green 
state. Besides, with a little 
care in protecting from late 
iSpring frosts and bud worm in early Autumn, those convenient- 




EGPYTIAN SWEET. 



74 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

]y located can realize handsomely by supplying hotels and board- 
ing-houses right at home. 

The Egyptian Sweet is a comparatively new variety, with 
large, fine ears, and une'qualed flavor ; commands a higher price 
than any other. 

Sewell's Evergreen produces' a good ear, and remains in 
the green state longer than any other kind. 

Mammoth Sugar, the largest of the sugar variety ; very fine 
flavor. 

TuscARORA is another standard garden variety, but not sweet. 

These varieties have been fully tested in this State, and have 
always given satisfaction. 

Make the ground very rich, lay ofl'the rows three to four feet 
apart, and plant the Corn eighteen inches to two feet in the 
drill. Frequent use of the cultivator or light sweep, to stir the 
surface of the soil, will promote rapid growth and full earing^ 
but all work should cease when the tassels appear. 

For saving seed plant at a distance from all other varieties. 

Several crops may be grown in one season, and but for the bud 
worm " all the year round," in some portions of the State. A 
simple remedy for this pest, and one that has been found very 
effectual, is to sprinkle warm sand in the bud. This operation 
is rather tedious, but can be afforded to secure a succession of 
" roasting ears," so universally popular as a table vegetable. 

ANALYSIS. 

In 100,000 parts each of the grain and stalk subjected to anal- 
ysis by Spengel, the following table shows the parts of inorganic 
constituents remaining after combustion : 



CRESS. 

Grain. Stalk. 

Potash 200 189 

Soda 250 4 

Lime 85 652 

Magnesia 128 236 

Alumina 16 6 

Oxide of Iron trace 4 

Oxide of Magnesia 20 

Silica 434 2,708 

Sulphuric Acid 17 106 

Phosphoric Acid 224 54 

Chlorine 8 6 

Amounting in all to 1,312 3,985 

parts respectively, 



75 



CRESS — Garden. 

Lepidium Sativum. 

Cress or Pepper Grass,. 
although generally cultivated 
in England, and to some ex- 
tent in the Northern States, is 
rarely found in any Southern 
garden ; and in this State is 
unknown as a garden plant. 

It is a hardy annual, brought 
originally from the East, and 
is said to h^ve been introduced into England about the middle of 
the Sixteenth Century. 

There are three kinds of Garden Cress, commonly designated 
as the Curled, Normandy, and Broad Leaved, the latter is 
coarse and inferior. 




76 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

It grows wild in this State, and is plentifully found in moist, 
rich ground in the spring of the year. For garden culture simi- 
lar soil should be provided, and for summer use a shaded spot 
should be selected as it soon dies out when exposed to the hot sun. 

Cress may be grown all winter, for which purpose the seed 
should be sown in October, in a rich, damp border, in drills 
about six inches apart ; water freely in dry weather. 

It is chiefly used for seasoning lettuce and other salads, the ten- 
der leaves imparting a warm, pungent and, to some tastes, very 
agreeable flavor. 

Cress is also employed in garnishing. 



CUCUMBER. 

Cucumis Sativus. 

This vegetable is extensively grown in Florida for the early 
iiiarkets in the chief Northern, Eastern and Western cities of the 
United kStates. Early shipments are also made to the cities of 
our sister State, Georgia. 

A great deal of money is realized every year by its production, 
and some lost, too, from indifferent culture and careless gardening. 

analysis. 

Potassa 47.42 

Lime 6.31 

JNEagnesia , 4.28 

Snl phiiric Acid .'. . 4. 60 

Silicic Acid 7.12 

Phosphoric Acid 14.97 

Phosphate of Iron 2.06 

Chloride of Potassium 4.19 

-Chloride of Sodium 9.06 



CUCUMBER. 77 

Which shows that ashes, bone dust, salt and sand are impor- 
tant fertilizers to be used in the production of this vegetable. 
So, also, is stable manure, and Peruvian Guano mixed with gyj)- 
sum in the proportion of one part guano to two of gypsum. 

The Cucumber will grow on almost any rich soil, but does 
best on a dark sandy loam, moist and mellow, with southern ex- 
posure, and protected on the northwest by a sheet of water. 

The very best variety to grow for market is Improved White 
Spine. 

Green Prolific is probably the best for pickling, on account 
of its productiveness and uniform size. 

Long Green is preferred by some for the table, but they are 
not to be relied upon for a general crop like White Spine. One 
pound of seed will plant an acre in the hill. It is best, however, 
to be provided for replanting. 

The ground for Cucumbers should be laid off in rows four feet 
apart, and if for market, the seed should be dropped along in the 
drill every two inches, to insure a perfect stand. After the rough 
leaves appear, they are thinned to a stand by leaving one plant 
every six or eight inches. This mode of planting has been found 
to afford the largest yield in a given time. 

Fresh stable manure is apt to fire the young plants, and should 
be avoided. 

The high prices paid for very early Cucumbers will induce a 
more general system of forcing. Glass is considered rather ex- 
pensive by Florida gardeners. 

A cheap mode of forcing is by means of comnKm gourds. SaAV 
these in half, then enough of the bottom to make a hole two or 
three inches in diameter. Fill these half gourds chiefly with old 



I « GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

decayed manure, pressing the earth firmly, and plant the seed 
three weeks earlier than danger from frosts will permit in the 
open air. They may be protected by having them convenient 
to a shed, and taking them in cold nights. When all danger 
irom frost has passed, open a hole in the hill large enough to re- 
ceive the gourd, and plant out altogether. The roots will read- 
ily make their way through the hole in the bottom. 

If gourds cannot be obtained, paper collar boxes or rolls of 
pasteboard tacked with a needle and thread will answer. Water- 
melons may be forced in the same way. An acre pro23erly fer- 
tilized and cultivated will produce about four hundred bushels 
of Cucumbers. The average net returns for the season of 1880, 
for the market gardeners of Florida, was about one dollar per 
bushel crate. 

The establishment of fast trains, with well ventilated cars, 
thereby opening to us the great, thriving cities of the Northwest, 
will materially increase the returns of this and other garden pro- 
ducts. 

The necessity of hot beds, or cold frames, " under glass cul- 
ture," is becoming more apparent each year to those engaged in 
growing Cucumbers for market above ^'the line of injurious 
frosts" 



EGG PLANT. 

Solanum Melongena. 
This plant — also called Guinea Squash, from its African 
.origin — is a tender plant and a slow grower. In the absence of 




EGCr PLANT. 79 

/^^^-^^'-^^^^ glass, the seed should be planted in 

.\ ^^^^^^^^^fe^v^ boxes the latter part of January, and 

Wvl^^^Jm""^^ \ conveniently situated for exposing to 

Bill ^«5^m%\ I the sun and protecting from cold 

7////W-^'4M^ K^^ftX \ winds and cold rains, as well as frosts. 

m^ii ^^ft V A T • • • • 1 ^ 

m,<>\ \% \ \ It IS nicreasing m popular tavor 
X \ \^\W^very year; and, having already been 
N^ successfully grown for Northern mar- 
kets, may very properly be classed 
among the profitable vegetables of 
Florida gardens. 

ANALYSIS. 

Carbonic Acid 28S9 

Silicic Acid 1038 

Sulphuric Acid 2898 

Phosphoric Acid 1.7595 

Peroxide of Iron 1.759o 

Lime -0046 

Magnesia 0828 

Potash 1.2496 

Soda 1-2595 

Sodium 0686 

Chlorine 1057 

Organic Acids 1341 

The soil for this vegetable must be of great fertility and thor- 
oughly prepared by deep plowing or spading. 

Vegetable matter composted with stable manure and cotton 
seed, bone phosphate, bone flour, cotton seed cake mixed with 
gypsum, hard wood ashes, are good fertilizers, the quantity to be 
determined by the quality of the land. Kemember not to mix 
lime or ashes with stable, or any other strong smelling, ammoni- 
a^al substance, without dry soil, gypsum, or other absorbent sur- 



80 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

•rounding the m]'x:ure, to prevent the escape of valuable gaseous 
constituents. 

New York Improved seems to be the most popular market 
variety, and is large and productive, of a pale purple color, near- 
ly sph,irical in shape, with sharp spines on the stalk and leaves. 

The Black Pekin. — This is rather a new variety, about the 
same size and shape as the preceding, but of a dark, polished, glos- 
sy exterior, presenting a handsome appearance. With us it proved 
<|uite as early and as productive as the New York Improved. 

Scarlet Fruited — Grown more for ornament than culinary 
use, of a deep scarlet color and about the size of a goose egg. 

White Fruited differs from the preceding only in color. 

In the Northern part of the IState glass, for forcing this vege- 
table, is indispensable. It cannot be grown in the open air with 
any certainty of realizing good prices. There is no })r()(liict cul- 
tivated for distant markets more easily affected by cold. It i;^ 
often so stunted by cold winds, even where thoroughly sheltered 
from frosts, as to require the work of sowing to be repeated. In 
extreme Southern Florida the crop is sent to market a month or 
more before that of Northern Florida, and commands about 
double the price. 

W'^hen the plants are ready to be transferred to the bed or field 
treat them as directed for Cabbage plants, and plant in checks 
three feet each way, which gives 4840 plants to the acre. 

One ounce of seed will produce 1000 plants, but to allow for 
casualties, half a pound should be provided for each acre. 

In gathering, clip the stems with pruning shears, wrap each 
Egg in paper the same as tomatoes, and, in packing in barrels 
place the stem end down, over the interstices, to avoid bruising. 



ENDIVE. 



81 



ENDIVE. 

Chicorium Endivia. 




verted into a palatable salad. 



This plant is a na- 
tive of the East — 
China probably. In 
its natural state it is 
bitter and disagreea- 
ble to the taste ; but 
by e t i o 1 a t i n — 
blanching — is c o n - 



Served in that form, and also 
boiled or stewed it is a favorite with most Europeans. Away 
from the large cities and centers of foreign travel and immigra- 
tion, it is scarcely known at all in the United States as a garden 
vegetable. 

Endive requires a very rich soil, light and deep. If practi- 
cable it is better to sow the seed where the plants are to grow, 
say in checks about fifteen inches each way — as they are not 
easily transplanted. 

Sow the seed the latter part of October, dropping a few in a 
place at distances as above given. And when five or six inches 
high thin out to one plant. The surplus plants may be used for 
extending the bed if desired. 

In about three months from the time of sowing the seed, the 
plants will be ready for blanching. There are several methods 
for accomplishing this, but the most effectual is as follows : Fold 
the leaves around the heart as much in the order of natural 
growth as possible, and after binding with a shred of bass mat- 
ting, heap up the earth — sand or ashes would be better — around 
6 



82 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

in a conical form, and leave the surface compact and smooth to 
shed excessive rainfall as in Celery. 

A simpler way, and the one practised in India, is merely to 
tie the leaves around the heart in the shape of a cone as al- 
ready described, using for the bandage the leaf fibre of a plant- 
ain or banana in lieu of bass. A second ligature may become 
necessary to keep the heart leaves from bursting out. 

VARIETIES. 

The two varieties in use ai'e : 

Green Curled, which besides being the most hardy, makes 
a crisp tender salad ; and on account of its attractive appearance 
is used in garniture. 

Broad Leaved Bat avian is the kind which is blanched by 
the second method giveti. It has large, loose growing heads pre- 
ferred in soups and stews. 



GARLIC. 

Allium Sativum. 

The species of this vegetable cultivated in this country, and 
known as English Garlic, is a native of Sicily. It is a very 
hardy plant, and will grow with little cultivation, other than 
keeping free from grass and w^eds. 

From the following analysis of the bulb, it would seem to re- 
quire a soil abounding in potash and phosphate of lime, which 
wood ashes and bone meal will afford ; 



GARLIC. 83 

ANALYSIS. 

SoluLle iiuittor, 

Cui-bonic Acid 12.17 

Sulphuric Acid 4.82 

Phosphoric Acid 2 18 

Potassa 35.13 

Soda trace 

Chloride of Sodium 2.75 

Insoluble matter, 

Carbonate of Lime 5.74 

Carbonate of Magnesia 6.89 

Phosphate of Lime 30.09 

Phosphate of Magnesia trace 

Phosphate of Iron trace 

Silica 0.22 

The ground should be prepared as for Onions, with three or 
four rows eighteen inches apart, and then a space for a walk. 
Around each bulb are six or eight smaller bulbs, called cloves, 
v/hich are used in propagating. Plant these two inches apart in 
the drill early in October. As soon as the leaves wither and turn 
yellow, the crop may be gathered. Do not allow the stalks to go 
to seed ; every effort to do so must be prevented by breaking down 
the seed-stalk. 

Except, perhaps, for medicinal purposes, Americans have little 
use for Garlic. 



HORSE RADISH. 

Cochlearia or Nasturtium Armoracia. 
This vegetable is profitably grown by gardeners in the vicinity 
of New York City, and, doubtless, in many other | laces ; but 



84 



GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 




mostly as a second crop. It is cultivated in connection with 
early cabbage or beets. 

The land must be exceedingly rich nat- 
• iirally, or made so by liberal and long-con- 
tinued fertilizing. It thrives best on moist 
land. Where all the conditions of growth 
are favorable, five tons is the estimated yield 
per acre, which has sold for the handsome 
price of $200 per ton. 

It is propagated by rootlets from the main 
root or marketable portion. These rootlets 
are cut into pieces five or six inches 
long and stuck in a hole made for the purpose by a sharpened 
stick in rows two feet apart and about sixteen inches in the drill. 
Be careful to press the earth firmly around. Where it is t<» 
share the plat with some other vegetable, Cabbage, for instance, 
the top of the plant is pushed down two inches below the sur- 
face, to retard its growth, so as to allow the cabbage crop to be 
harvested before the Horse Radish gets a start. Its growth is 
very rapid, and it soon gains the ascendency over every thing 
else. 

It may be planted any time in the fall. Small roots for plant- 
ing cost about one dollar per hundred ; freights to be added. 

As a condiment it is much esteemed by many, and thought to 
be useful in promoting digestion. 




LEEK. 85 

KOHL-RABL 

Brassiea Oleracea var : caulo-rapa. 

This vegetable, also known as Turnip- 
rooted Cabbage, is a curious combination of 
turnip and cabbage. In appearance it in- 
clines to the turnip, and may be treated in a 
similar way. 

Sow the seeds in drills eighteen inches 
apart, and thin out to ten inches in the drill. The seed are 
sometimes sown on beds like cabbages, but as the plants are not 
easily transplanted, experienced gardeners usually sow in the 
permanent bed, preferring the increased cost of seed to the risk 
of removal. 

Two pounds of seed will plant an acre, where the seed bed and 
transplanting method is adopted ; but it is not likely that this 
vegetable will ever be grown on any such scale in this State. A 
single paper will, doubtless, furnish plants enough to satisfy the 
claims of variety and novelty. 



LEEK. 

Allium Porrum. 
This vegetable has never been grown in this State for distant 
markets; but reduced freights may cause it to be entered on the 
list of such products. At any rate, as it is much esteemed by 
some persons, a few words respecting its culture, &c., will not be 
amiss. 



86 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

ANALYSIS, 

BULB. STEM. 

Potassa 32.35 32.98 

Soda 8.04 14.43 

Lime 12.66 25.10 

Magn esia 2. 70 trace. 

Sulphuric Acid ; 8.34 16.50 

Silicic Acid 3.04 19.77 

Phosphoric Acid 1 5.09 

Phosphate of Lime 13.39 10.06 

Chloride of Sodium 4.49 trace. 

The Leek requires very rich soil, aud it must be thoroughly 
broken up and pulverized by harrowing. The best fertilizers- 
are ashes, ground bones, or bone flour, gypsum, and old stable 
manure. The seed-beds should be prepared similar to those for 
cabbages, etc., about four feet wide: make the drills an inch deep 
and six or eight inches apart. Keep the beds free of grass aud 
weeds, and when the plants are six inches high, transplant to the 
permanent beds. 

These beds should also be narrow. Lay off rows about ten to 
tweve inches apart, and set the plants ten inches from each other 
in the drills. To facilitate the transplanting make the holes pre- 
viously with a dibbler and let them be deep enough to receive 
the stems nearly up to the leaves. This will blanch the stems — 
making them more tender and better flavored. It is a mistake 
to grow them without transplanting. It increases the size. 

To increase the size of the neck, the tops should be cut two or 
three times during the growing season — about once a month. 
Use water copiously in transplanting, and in very dry weather' 

Large American Flag is said to be the best market va- 
riety. 

They are put up for market in bunches of six to eight, having 



LETTUCE. ST 

previously cut off the top ten or twelve inches above the root, 
and clipped the remaining leaves. 

The number of plants grown on an acre is estimated to be 85,- 
000, or about 1,000 bunches. ' 

Last of September is a good time to sow the seed, by which 
Leeks are solely propagated. 



LETTUCE. 

Lactuca Sativa. 

The Florida market gardener does not grow this plant, except 
for his own use, unless his location near a large town affords him 
a home market. Even then, except on a small scale, its profita- 
bleness is questionable. Although it is so easily and extensively 
cultivated, the inferior quality of by far the greater part offered 
for sale is a matter of surprise. The bunches, (rarely the heads) 
commonly sold in our market, could not be disposed of in New 
York at remunerative prices were the transportation free. There 
are of course exceptions to this. As fine Lettuce can be grown 
in our State as in any country. The fault is usually in sowing 
the seed too thick, and thinning them out only as they are con- 
sumed, which results in compelling the plants to do most of their 
growing in an overcrowded state. When quite young, they 
should be transferred to where they are to head and given a space 
of one foot each way. Or drop a few seed in checks the above 
distance apart, and thin out to one plant as soon as it may be 
safely done. 

Green Fringed is specially recommended for its ornamental 
appearance. 



88 GARDENING IN FLOKIDA. 

Black Seeded Simpson is a new and very clioice variety. 
All the Year Round is a hardy, compact and valuable 
kind, producing hard but not very^ large heads. 

ANALYSIS. 

Potassa 22.87 

Soda 18.50 

Lime 10.43 

Magnesia 5.()8 

Sesquioxide of Iron 2.82 

Se.squioxiclo of Manganese trace 

Sulphuric Acid 3 So 

Silicic Acid 11.80 

Ph o.sph oi-i c Acid 3.39 

Chloride of Sodium 15.09 

A sandy loam, richly supplied with well decayed stable ma- 
nure, lime and salt is just the soil this vegetable prefers. 

Lettuce may be planted at almost any time of the year in 
this climate ; but in hot weather it must be sheltered from the 
sun at midday. Plants which are suffered to remain on the seed- 
bed make finer and earlier heads than transplants. Hence the 
importance, when practicable, of sowing the seed where the plants 
are to grow. 



MELON— MUSK; CANTATOUPE. 

Cncumls Melo. 

ANALYSIS. 

Carbonic Acid • 11 . 55 

Silicic Acid 2.20 

Phosphoric Acid 25.40 

Sulphuric Acid 3.90 

Pliosph ate of Iron 2. 30 



MELON. 89 

Lime 5.85 

Magnesia 0.60 

Potash 8.35 

Soda 34.35 

Chlorine 5.20 

The soil, fertilizers and culture of this crop are similar to the 
•requirements of the Watermelon. Less potash or ashes, and more 
ibone dust, are indicated by the analysis. Common salt, applied 
broadcast and plowed in, would be advantageous both to this and 
the Watermelon. 

About five feet each way is a good distance for the hills. To 
insure a stand, plant eight or ten seed, finally removing all but 
three plants. 

The small and medium sized netted varieties are best. 



MELON— WATER. 

Citrullas Vulgaris. 

ANALYSIS. 

Carbonic Acid 11.42 

.Silicic Acid 1.21 

Phosphoric Acid 14.93 

Sulphuric Acid 1.03 

Phospl) ate of I ron 4. 52 

Lime 7.32 

Magnesia ■. 1.31 

Potash 23.95 

Soda 30.03 

Chlorine 1.81 

Per cent, of Water 94.898. 

This is a valuable crop to the market gardeners of Florida, 
and with more care in the selection of seed, preparation, and cul- 



90 



GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 



tivation of the ground, may be made oue of great profit. Almost 
every one has a theory of his own for producing this fruit ; and 
the success generally attending the efforts of the various pro- 
ducers is proof of its easy culture. 

A light sandy loam is the best soil, and ashes and bone flour, 
together with a liberal supply of stable manure, or a compost of 
stable manure and cotton seed applied in the hill, will furnish^ 
the plants with necessary food. 




SCALY BARK MELON. 

The region of country about Augusta, Georgia, has for a great 
many years been noted for the superior Watermelons produced 
there. Poor pine hills, with scarcely enough fertility to ))ring 
five bushels of corn to the acre. The fact of the excellence of 
sandy land for growing this crop is confirmed by universal expe- 
rience. 

It is best also to use new^ land, and to avoid planting the same 
field more than two years in succession when practicable. In 
planting new ground in Watermelons, the vigor and luxuri- 



MELON. i)l 

ance of the vines close to where a log heap was burned is very 
apparent. Hence, a liberal supply of ashes is very desirable. 

Ten feet each way is the usual distance of planting, but eight 
by ten has been adopted with good success. Only the early mel- 
ons are marketable ; a greater number of which will be given by 
the closer distance, besides covering the ground sooner and sav- 
ing work. Over-fruiting may be corrected by pinching off all 
over three or four to the vine. 

After the ground has been well broken up and laid off, holes 
three and a half feet in diameter and two feet deep should be 
dug, and filled with manures mixed with the top soil even with 
the surface, except in land where the water is liable to stand 
awhile after heavy rains. In that case make the hills two or 
three inches above the surface of the ground. 

The plan suggested for forcing Cucumbers may be successfully 
used with Watermelons. 

Open air planting may be begun in January in many parts oi 
the State. 

One object in having large hills is to give a large planting sur- 
face directly over the manure. Continue planting the same hills 
every week until all danger of frosts is past. By which a week's 
time may be saved at a season when it is of great value. 

Thin out to two or three plants to a hill. 

The vines should under no circumstances be moved. Pin them 
to the ground with forked sticks, or by throwing a spadeful of 
earth on them, to prevent their being blown about by the wind. 

Two light ploughings and one hoeing will generally make the 
crop. If practicable let the last ploughing be at right angles to 
the first. 



d'2 (iAKDENING IN FLORIDA. 

It is best to plant but one variety of seed, and in making the 
selection do not choose one with a very thin rind ; it will be much 
more liable to injury in transporting to distant markets. 

The first large, well developed melon should be saved for seed. 
If this is done every season for several years, those very desirable 
qualities, earliness and size, will be surprisingly improved. 

Plant your choice seed in the same field with the general crop. 
Watermelons will " mix " in.side of one hundred yards, the pol- 
len being carried by bees. Hence the importance of keeping dif- 
ferent kinds of melons, also gourd and pumpkin vines, at a safe 
distance. 

The subject of improving seed is worthy of attention. A good 
plan would be to prepare a place every year large enough for 
experimenting, and looking to continued improvement. 

Varieties : For several years what is known as the " Rat- 
tlesnake " Melon — white, with broad green stripes — has been 
advertised and extensively cultivated at the South as the leading 
market variety. This distinction it has never deserved. Its 
want of uniformity in quality, in the same field, and under pre- 
cisely similar methods of culture, has often been remarked in cer- 
tain sections. Perhaps the " Scaly Bark " is the peer, if not 
the superior of the new aspirants for popular favor. Its table 
excellencies are only equalled by its shipping qualities. A single 
melon is said to have sustained the concentrated pressure of one 
thousand two hundred and fifty pounds without apparent injury. 
A severe test, considering its remarkably thin rind. 



MUSHROOM. 



93 




MUSHROOM, 

Agaricus, Campedris, 

This fungus is esteemed 
by every one with any pre- 
tension to epicurean deli- 
cacy. Yet it is shunned 
by many, who might soon 
learn to love it, for fear 
of confounding the edible, and innoxious, with the poisonous. 

The vegetable Mushroom, according to Loudon, " springs up 
in open pastures in August and September. 

" It is most readily distinguished when of middle size by its 
pink, or flesh-colored, gills and pleasant smell. In a more ad- 
vanced stage the gills become of a chocolate color, and then 
it is more apt to be confounded with other kinds of dubious 
quality. But the species which most nearly resembles it is slimy 
to the touch, having a rather disagreeable smell ; further, the 
noxious kind grows in woods, or in the margin of woods ; while 
the true Mushroom springs up chiefly in open pastures, and 
should be gathered only in such places." 

Dr. Christison gives the following directions for distinguishing 
the Esculent from the poisonous kinds : 

" It appears that most fungi which have a warty cap, more es- 
pecially fragments of membrane adhering to their upper surface^ 
are poisonous. Heavy fungi, which have an unpleasant odor, es- 
pecially if they emerge from a vulva or bag, are also generally 
hurtful. Those which grow in woods and shady places, are rare- 
ly esculent, but most are unwholesome; and if they are moist on 
the surface, they should be avoided. All those which grow in 



94 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

tufts or clusters from the stumps of trees ought likewise to be 
shunned. A sure test of a poisonous fungus is an astringent 
styptic taste, and perhaps also a disagreeable, but certainly a 
pungent odor. Those, the substance of which becomes blue soon 
after being cut, are invariably poisonous." 

Agarics of an orange, or rose-red color, and boleti, which are 
coriaceous or corky in texture, or which have a membranous col- 
lar round the stem, are also unsafe. These rules for knowing 
deleterious fungi seem to rest on fact and experience ; but they 
will not enable the collector to recognize every poisonous spe- 
cies. 

A simple and reliable test is to insert a silver spoon or silver 
coin into the vessel in which Mushrooms are boiling, and if on 
taking either out they assume a blueish-black or dark-discolored 
appearance, throw them away, there is " death in the pot," but 
if, on the other hand, the metal retains its natural appearance, 
they may be regarded as wholsesome and eaten with impunity. 

This curious vegetable is one of the connecting links between 
the animal and vegetable kingdoms. It does not produce seed, 
but may be propagated by a white fibrous substance in broken 
threads, called spawn ; and this spawn may be preserved for 
years in horse manure, formed first into a sort of mortar with 
garden mold, and pressed into brick. The process is thus de- 
scribed, and it may be remarked that if the lovers of this escu- 
lent would confine their use to the kind thus produced, there 
would be no startling announcements of fatal consequences from 
^eating the wrong variety : 

■" Take a quantity of fresh manure from high-fed horses, mixed 
^yith short litter ; add one-third cow's dung, and a good portion 



MUSHROOM. 95 

•of loamy mould ; incorporate them thoroughly, mixing them 
with the drainings of a dung heap, and beat them until the whole 
becomes the consistency of thick mortar. Spread the mixture on 
the level floor of an open shed, and beat it flat with a spade ; 
when it becomes dried to the proper consistency, cut it into bricks 
about eight inches square ; set them on edge, and turn frequent- 
ly until half dry ; then dibble two holes about half through each 
brick, and when perfectly dry insert in each hole a piece of good 
:spawn ; then somewhere under cover place a bottom of dry horse 
dung six inches thick, and place the bricks, spawn side up, one 
upon another ; the pile may be made three feet high ; cover it 
with warm horse dung sufficient to diffuse a gentle glow of heat 
through the whole ; the heat should not be over seventy degrees, 
and the pile should be examined the second day to see that it 
does not overheat ; when the spaw^n is diffused entirely through 
the bricks, the process is finished. The bricks should then be 
laid separately in a dry place, and, if kept perfectly d7y, will re- 
tain their vegetative power for many years. One bushel of spawn 
will plant a bed four feet by twelve." 

" Beds for Mushrooms may l)e made anyw^here in a dry situa- 
tion under cover. Make them four feet wide and from ten to fif- 
teen feet long, according to the wants of the family. A small 
shed might be erected for the purpose, but the back of a green- 
house is a very good situation, as they do not need much light. 
* jji * " 

" A sufficient quantity of the droppings of horses, pretty free 
from litter, must be obtained, which, while collecting, must be 
kept dry, and spread out thinly, and turned frequently to pre- 
vent violent heating. When the rank steam has escaped, the bed 



96 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

may be built. The site should be dry. Dig out the earth six 
inches deep the size of the bed, and if good lay it aside for use. 
Fill this trench with good fresh dung for the bottom, and lay on 
this the prepared dung, until the whole is six inches thick above 
the surface ; beat it down firmly with the back of the fork, and 
build up the sides with a slight, but regular sloj^e. Let the bed 
slope downwards towards the walk ; lay over it three inches of 
good clayey loam ; place another layer ten or twelve inches thick 
of prepared dung, and in the same manner continue until the 
bed is two and a half or three feet thick. Cover the bed with 
clean litter to prevent drying and the escape of the gasses, and 
let it remain ten days, or until the temperature becomes mild and 
regular ; about sixty degrees, and certainly not less than fifty de- 
grees, is the proper degree of warmth." 

If the manure has a brown color, and is so loose and mellow 
that when pressed it will yield no water, but has a fat unctuons 
feel, without any smell of fresh dung, the bed is in a right state. 
If it is dry and hard, or sloppy and liquid, it is not in the proper 
condition. In the first case, moderate watering may restore it ; 
but in the latter, the superabundance of w'ater will probably 
spoil it, and it is better to commence anew. When the bed is 
ready, break the bricks of spawn into lumps the size of a walnut, 
which plant regularly six inches apart over the surface of the 
bed, including its sides and ends, just beneath the surface of the 
manure. Level the surface by gently smoothing with the back 
of the spade. Fine, rich loam, rather light than otherwise, is 
then put on two inches thick. Lastly, a covering of straw from 
six to twelve inches, according to the temperature. If the bed 
gets too hot take of most of the covering*. When the bed ap- 



MUSHROOM. 97 

pears dry, sprinkle it gently with soft tepid water in the morning. 
The water should be poured through the nose of a watering pot 
upon a layer of straw laid on for the purpose, and when the earth 
becomes a little moistened, the straw should be removed, and the 
dry covering replaced. In warm weather it will need frequent 
sprinkling, but in winter very little. 

" In four or five weeks after spawning the bed should' begin to 
produce, and if kept dry and warm will last several months. A 
gathering may take place two or three times a week, according 
to the productiveness. If it should not come in two or three 
months, a little more warmth, or a sprinkling of water will gen- 
erally bring it into plentiful bearing, unless the spawn has been 
destroyed by over-heating or too much moisture. In gathering 
detach them with a gentle twist, an I fill the cavity with mould; 
do not use a knife, as the stumps left in the ground become the 
nurseries of maggots, which are liable to infest the succeeding 
crop. Gather before they become flat, when half an inch or 
more in diameter, while compact and firm." 

Mushrooms are used in various ways, boiled, stewed or broiled, 
in catsups, pickles, and made into rich sauces. 

To Steiv : " Cut off the part of the stem that grows in the earth ; 
wash carefully, and take off the skin from the top; place in a 
stew^-pan with salt, without water; stew slowly, shaking the pan 
occasionally until tender ; then thicken with a spoonful ^^of 
browned flour, and one of butter; add spices and wine if pre- 
ferred." 

And to Broil: " Prepare as above, and lay on a small grid- 
iron over bright coals, stalk uppermost ; broil quickly, and sea- 
son with butter, salt and pepper. ' 



98 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

MUSTARD. 

Sinapis. 

There are two species of Mustard usually cultivated, S. Alba 
and S. Nigra. The former kind is used for early salads, but 
both in the manufacture of Mustard. 

The soil for Mustard should be rich, and well pulverized, a 
sandy loam with moisture is preferred. White Mustard may 
be sown almost any time during the cool months ; for salad the 
leaves must be used before they become rough ; after that stage 
they are only fit for greens. 

Sow thickly in drills eighteen to twenty inches apart, and 
gradually thin out to eight inches in the drill. 

In this State, where there are so many vegetables far superior 
to this for salad or greens, its cultivation is presumably for the 
table condiment, made therefrom, or the flour, which is largely 
used in every family. The flour made of the Black Mustard 
is most esteemed. It is ground in an ordinary spice mill, or 
crushed by a roller on a table. The superiority of French 
Mustard is due to their not separating the husk after grinding, 
as is done in this country. This imparts to the flour a brownish 
color, but it is more powerful, besides being more palatable. 



OKRA. 

Hibiscu'^ Esculentus. 
This vegetable is pretty generally conceded to be a native of 
the West Indies, yet there are a few who persist in assigning 
it to East India. 



ONION. 



99 



Be .that as it may, what we are 
more interested in knowing is, that, 
while for a long time, the taste for, 
as well as the cultivation of this 
grand old soup vegetable was re- 
stricted to the latitude of the cot- 
ton plant ; it is becoming every year 
more poupular with our friends of 
the North, West and East, as they 
become better acquainted with it. 
It has for several seasons been 
DWARF OKBA. iucludcd amoug the marketable veg- 

etables of Florida, and with good results. 

The time for planting, distance, etc., except where forcing is 
.contemplated, is very much the same as for cotton. 

There are two varieties, Giant and Dwarf. The latter is 
preferred by most cultivators. Plant rows three and a half feet 
apart and thin to two feet in the row. Let the land be moder- 
ately rich, and be sure to gather the pods as they reach the 
proper size, whether used or not. If they are permittted to re- 
jtnain on the stalk it will seriously interrupt continuous bearing, 




ONION. 

Allium Cepa. 

ANALYSIS. 

Potash 29.21 

Soda 9.41 

Lime 11.48 



100 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

• 

Magnesia 2.44 

Phosphate of Iron 12.00 

Phosphoric Acid 13.02 

Sulphuric Acid , 7.53 

Chlorine 2.46 

Silicic Acid 2.76 

Sand-Charcoal 4.75 

Carbonic Acid 4.33 

Northern market gaideners regard this as one of their rn^st 
profitable crops, but sell it chiefly in its green 0: unripe state,-: 
and there is no reason why our own gardeners should not pro.4t 
by the hint, and supply Northern markets with fresh gretir 
Onions at a season when only they could do it. 

The Onion grown for the mature bulb is a profitable crop in 
Florida whenever the conditions of soil are properly complied 
with. Failures, when they do occur, are mainly due to insufii- 
cient fertilizing. The ground must be made exceedingly rich. 
Seventy-five tons of " short, well-rotted manure " is used by 
those who succeed best. Ashes and ground bone, or, rather, 
bone flour, in sufiicient quantities, may be used to advantage — 
not less than 1,000 to 1,500 pounds bone flour per acre scattered 
broadcast and plowed in. 

Deep plowing and thorough pulverization are indispensablcj 
whatever implements are employed to effect it. 

Onions are grown best herefrom the seed. Sets from the pre- 
vious year do not succeed well; even if they did, the labor and 
expense of a biennial crop would exclude it from the list of profit- 
able vegetables. 

It is best to divide up the plot of ground which has been pre- 
pared for Onions into beds three to four feet wide, and leave a 
narrow walk between. On these beds, mark oflf shallow drills 



ONION. 101 

about ten inches apart, in ^vhich drop the seed an inch or two 
apart, and cover with finely pulverized soil, completing the oper- 
ation with a garden roller to press the earth compactly about 
them. A "seed drill,"which every market gardener should have, 
will do this job more expeditiously, economically and effectually 
than it is possible to do it by hand. If a seed drill is used, four 
pounds of seed will be sufficient to plant an acre, but it will 
require more to sow them by hand. 

The seed should be sown the 1st of September, and the plants 
^vill be ready to set out the 1st of December, or earlier. 

Have the rows, as before mentioned, ten inches apart, and set 
the plants eight to ten inches from each other. 

If the beds are laid off exactly three and one-half feet wide, 
the drills ten inches apart and six inches from the walk to the 
-first drill, there will be four rows on a bed, and if the sets are 
placed nine inches from each other in the drill, there will be 
^sixteen plants to every three linear feet of bed, or five and one- 
-third plants to one foot of bed. Allowing eighteen inches for the 
•width of the walks between the beds, an acre of ground laid off 
in this way would give 46,464 plants or sets to the acre ; from 
which any one can make an approximate estimate of the yield 
per acre. 

As a general rule the white or silver skinned varieties succeed 

best. An exception to this rule, however, must be made in favor 

..of the Giant RoccA, a magnificent brown skinned kind lately 

introduced from Naples. It is globular in shape, large in size, 

mild and of very agreeable flavor. 

New Queen, is of medium size, t^^/ii^e skinned, a rapid grower, 
SLwd keeps well. 



102 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

New Neapolitan Marzajola: a white skinned Italian 
variety, claimed to be the earliest Onion in cultivation, except- 
ing, perhaps The Bermuda, a large, flat, white ekinned Onion,. 
grown on the Island of Bermuda for the New York market. It 
has been successfully cultivated in several sections of this State,, 
particularly in Orange county. 

The difficulty until recently of procuring reliable seed has 
been a bar to more extensive culture of this popular Onion. 

Aware of the wide spread interest in Bermuda Onion grow- 
ing in Florida, Judge J. WofFord Tucker, of Sanford, kindly 
consented to prepare the subjoined treatise on the subject. 

No citizen of Florida need be told that Judge Tucker is an in- 
teresting writer. His residence of several years in Bermuda 
afforded him ample opportunity to collect facts, difficult if not 
impossible to obtain in any other way ; and he has in his u.sual 
comprehensive style and felicitous expression, recorded them for 
the benefit of all Floridians in general, and Florida gardeners in 
particular. 

Cultivation of the Bermuda Onion. 

By Judge J. W. Tucker, of Sanford, Florida. 

Of all the Onion family, that which is known as the Bermuda 
is the most esteemed for its mildness of flavor, its size, beauty,, 
shipping qualities, and early development. So much is this va- 
riety valued, and so difficult has it been to obtain genuine seed,. 
that several spurious varieties have been offered and, to some ex- 
tent, sold in the Southern market. 

At the solicitation of the market gardeners of this section, I 
have perfected arrangements for procuring an early supply of the 



ONION. 



103 




WHITE BERMUDA ONIOX. 



genuine seed, through an old and reliable London mercantile 

firm. 

Having had opportunil'es, 
through several years of resi- 
dence in Bermuda, to observe 
the method of culture there of 
this important vegetable, and 
having observed repeated ex- 
periments made in Florida, 
which have proved very suc- 
cessful, I submit v^ith great 
confidence these specifications: 
1. Sow any time from the 
first of October to the first of 

February, the earlier period for the earlier spring harvests. It 

is entirely practicable to have a succession of crops. 

2. Prepare the seed-beds by deep and careful culture and fer- 
tilization. Any good fertilizer which would be suitable for any 
other seed-be<l will do for these ; well-rotted stable compost is 
excellent. If Guano or other highly concentrated manure be 
used, it ought to be well incorporated with the soil a month be- 
fore sowing. Sow in drills as thinly as practicable. Sow after 
a rain, or sow, and then water of evenings. If the weather is hot 
and dry, shade partially the tender germs as they spring, for a 
week or two. 

The plants are very hardy after getting a start. It is not easy 
to produce an onion crop without onion plants; hence a little 
care at this point pays well. Keep out the weeds and grass, and 



104 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

when the plants grow to the size of a goose quill, they are ready 
to transplant. 

When the plants are drawn out to re-set, jnnch of the roots and 
set the bulb ; this is done very rapidly ; tlien press the bulb into 
soft, well-prepared soil, to the depth of half an inch or little 
more, in drills ten or twelve inches apart in the drill. 

Prepare beds for the plants very much like the seed-beds, and 
put four rows on a bed of five feet width, with a foot path be- 
tween the beds, and never tread on the beds. Keep out the weeds 
and grass, but do not cut down in the soil with a hoe. 

The young roots permeate the beds, and to cut them is to in- 
flict a great injury. If sown in October, with good culture, the 
crop ought to be ready for marketing by or before the first of 
May. 

HARVESTING. 

Select the best grown Onions and draw them out, leaving the 
others to develop. Let the Onion, top and all, remain exposed 
to the sun for one or two days. The substance in the top will be 
absorbed by the bulb, and increase its weight and plumpness. 
Then with a sharp knife cut ofl^the wilted toj), but do not bruise 
the bulb. Be sure to pack- dry. Do not let the Onions get wet. 
Smaller packages sell better than barrels. Gather and ship as 
the Onions become matured. Nothing is gained by putting on 
the market half-grown, ill-looking produce. 

After the Onion seems fully grown, it will bear to be left in 
the beds — the grass being kept under — for fovr to six weeks. 
The top will disappear, and the bulb will be sound, full, plump, 
and beautifully rounded. The gardener can thus supply, with- 
out glutting the market. 



PARSNIP. 305 

The Bernnida growers will supply New York probably as ear- 
ly as we could put ours into that market, but the South and 
West will furnish a market that our Southern gardeners can 
have all to themselves. 

As to profit, it may be remarked that from one to two dollars 
per bushel can be usually obtained ; and Mr. J. W. Willington, 
near Sanford, produced this season over one thousand bushels to 
the acre. But this must be regarded as an exceptionally large 
yield. From four to six hundred bushels per acre will be a good 
return. 

This slip is cut from the correspondence of the Times- Union 
■of a recent date: *'I send you to day an Onion grown by Mr. 
Oeorge A. Kirk, of West Apopka, which weighed when pulled 
from the ground four pounds. It was grown on Kirk's ' Belle- 
Isle,' in Lake Apopka, from Bermuda seed. This Onion you 
will find is rank only in growth. You will find it as 'sweet as 
a peach,' fully equal, if not excelling, the famous (imported) 
Bermuda. He has bushels, barrels, boxes of them that will 
fiverage as lars^e as a tea saucer." 

The Onion crop comes in opportunely. It is certain cash, at 
a fair, remunerating price. It can be grown in the South, and 
in\t in the market six weeks earlier than the Onion grown 
JS^orth. It ought to become a staple garden crop with us in 
Plorida and other Southern States. 



PARSNIP. 

Pastinacea Satlva. 



ANALYSIS. 

Potassa 3G.12 



106 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

Soda 3.11 

Lime 11.43 

3Iagnesia 9.*.U 

Sesquioxide of Manganese ., 0.89 

Sulphuric Acid 6.50 

Silicic Acid 4.10 

Phosphoric Acid 18.16 

Phosphate of Iron 3.71 

Chloride of Sodium 5.54 

A deep sandy loam enriched with ashes, ground 
bones and salt is best for this vegetable. 

The Parsnip, a hardy biennial, is a native of Sar- 
dinia, cultivated extensively in Europe and in the 
Northern States. At the South it is little used, and 
not often seen, although it possesses no little nutri- 
ment, and makes a valuable stock feed, especially for 
milch cows. 

It is said to contain poisonous properties in its wild 
state, which are entirely removed by cultivation. The 
two kinds may be easily distinguished from each other 
by the leaves. In the garden variety the leaves are 
smooth and of a light green color, while in the wild 
they are dark green and hairy. 

SoAV the seed in January in drills eighteen inches 
apart, and thin out slowly to eight inches in the row. 
The root is white, in other respects it is similar to the Carrot, 
with which the culture and general treatment is identical. 
Hollow Crown is probably the best variety. 



PEA. lor 

PARSLEY. 

Petroselinum Sativum. 

This is another of the hardy biennial plants indigenous to the 
South of Europe. 

It is not likely in this State to be grown for market, and a suf- 
ficient supply for family use may be cultivated along the borders 
of the beds, which they will tend to embellish. 

Sow the seed about the first to the middle of October, either in 
a seed-bed or where they are to grow. Give the plants one and 
a half by three-quarters feet distance in the pwmanent bed. 
The seed germinates slowly, frequently requiring six weeks from 
the date of planting before they appear. 

This vegetable does not do best in very rich soil; the ordinary 
garden soil will be found quite rich enough, but it is important 
that it should be deeply broken up and thoroughly pulverized. 

Parsley is chiefly used for garnishing other dishes, and for 
imparting an agreeable flavor to stews and soups, for both of 
which it is admirably adapted. 

Carter's Fern Leaved is a new and most beautiful variety. 

Fine Triple Curled, a choice curled variety, and Myatt'.s 
Garnishing, also a curled variety, and generally preferred ta 
the preceding. 



PEA. 

Pisum Sativum. 

ANALYSIS. 
^ SEKD. STRAW, 

Potassa 40.70 28 30 

Soda 1.50 

Lime 2.21 19.20 



108 



GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 



Magnesia 7.03 3.90 

Siilphuiic Acid 4.17 6.60 

Sillicic Acid 7.50 

Carbonic Acid 5.20 

Phosphoric Acid 44.42 6.90 

Chlorine 13.46 

Phosphate of Iron 1.47 1.40 

Sand 3.80 



This vegetable is highly 
esteemed by some of our mar- 
ket gardeners for early ship- 
ments to markets north of us. 
It succeeds best in the north- 
ern portions of the State. On 
the Peninsula, other standard 
vegetables are so much more 
profitable, that this receives 
but little attention. 

The above analysis shows 
that the "seed" — pea, contains 
THE M'.vEiLL PEA. over 85 per cent, of potassa 

iind phosphoric acid combined ; while the aggregate amount of 
potassa, lime, chlorine and silicic acid is more than 73 per cent. 
By which we are di«*ected to select a soil abounding with these 
■constituents, or to apply them in the most convenient form. 
Some sand, it will be observed, is indispensable to form the stalk ; 
ashes or kainit will give the potassa ; bone meal or bone flour 
the phosphoric acid and lime, and common salt the chlorine. 

These ingredients composted with a fair proportion of goed 
.stable manure to supply ammonia, together with fresh woods soil 




PEA. 1()<^ 

and gypsum to act as absorbents, will, after being thoroughly 
mixed, constitute one of the very best fertilizers that can be used 
for peas, and it will possess the important qualities of cheapness 
and safety. It may be applied liberally without fear of firing. 
The precise amount of each constituent mentioned that should be 
used in making the compost, cannot be determined in advance of 
a knowledge of the land ; and consequently must be left to the 
intelligent observation of the cultivator. 

Every farmer who may be able to collect old or fresh bones,, 
can by the formula elsewhere given in this book, readily prepare 
them for his own use. 

A large per cent, of the failures in the cultivation of this veg- 
etable, especially when grown for market, may be attributed ta 
insufficient and unsuitable manuring, and it is high time to 
make a change in this respect, for with proper attention and 
duly considering our climatic advantages, early Peas should 
equal if not surpass any other crop in point of profit. 

One strong recommendation in favor of Pea culture, is the 
earliness with which the market gardener begins to realize the 
reward of his labor and skill. Another is that he has a 
highly enriched piece of ground — supposing he has done his duty 
in preparation as advised — on which to grow a second profitable 
market crop. Egg plants, for instance, which had been coming 
on under glass, or otherwise suitably protected, might form the 
succeeding crop. Fresh animal manures unless in compost with 
muck, wood's mold or gypsum should be rejected as too heating. 

Where the Pea crop is to be immediately followed by another, 
the fertilizer should be broad-cast and in no stinted measure. 
But otherwise the manure may be strewn in the drill, which 



110 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

should be made deep for the purpose, so that the peas may have 
;an even covering of two to three inches of soil. 

My experience is, the Pea succeeds best in soils containing a 
large percent, of clay. And this doubtless furnishes one reason 
for the general want of success attending their cultivation in the 
southern counties where clay is " out of reach." 

Of varieties, there are legions, and most growers have their 
favorites. 

EARLY DWARF VARIETIES. 

Ferry's First and Best : Is an excellent early sort, of un- 
iform ripening. The vine does not grow more than eighteen 
inches in height, but is an abundant bearer, and will mature 
all its pods, it is claimed in forty-five days. 

Bliss' American Wonder: Is also an early and prolific 
bearing Pea. The chief objection to which is its diminutive 
^ize, not as tall as the preceding by one half. 

In addition to the above may be mentioned McLean's Little 
Gem, fifteen inches high ; Carter's Little Wonder, twenty 
to twenty-four inches high ; McLean's Advancer, twenty-four 
to thirty inches high — all wrinkled. 

SECOND EARLY VARIETIES. 

Prize-Taker Green Marrow: Highly esteemed as a mar- 
ket Pea. 

Fill Basket : An excellent dwarf. 

LATER, FOR HOME USE. 

Veitch's Perfection : A good bearer and well flavored ; 
four feet. 

Champion of England: A very popular standard variety, 
which grows to five feet on good land. 



POTATO — IRISH. Ill 

The Early Dwarf Wrinkled Sugar is a French variety 
•with edible pods, which are prepared somewhat like snap beans. 

There is a Pea known in Columbia, Bradford, Suwanee, Gads- 
den and other comities of this State as the McNeill Pea, which 
is perhaps the very best to raise for market. It came originally 
from one of the dwarf varieties. It is more prolific, less depend- 
ent upon artificial support, and, on account of its branching 
habit, may have more distance in the drill, thereby requiring 
.about fifty per cent, fewer seed. 

From having been grown many years in this latitude, from 
home-saved seed, it matures somewhat later than formerly — of 
little consequence in a climate where gardeners can plant the 
Pea when they please. 



POTATO— IRISH. 

Solanum tuberosum . 

This is a popular and very valuable vegetable to the market 
gardener of Florida. Large areas are annually planted, which 
.command rcnmnerative prices. 

ANALYSIS. 

Carbonic Acid 21.40 

Sulphuric Acid 3.24 

Phosphoric Acid 3.77 

Potassa 55.61 

Soda trace 

Chloride of Sodium trace 

Carbonate of Lime 3-02 

Carbonate of Magnesia 1.26 

iSulphate of Lime .' 0.12 



112 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

Phosphate of Lime 3.83 

Phosphate of Magnesia 7.55 

Basic Phosphate of Sesquioxide of Iron 0.06 

Silicic 0.12 

There is no doubt that the flavor and productiveness of the 
Potato are greatly affected by the character of the soil. For 
repeated experiments have shown that while one kind of soil 
would produce tubers having a strong, disagreeable taste, an- 
other kind would bring them possessing quite the opposite qual- 
ities. Hence, the importance of selecting or forming a soil that 
is best adapted for developing the good qualities. In " heavy 
wet soils, or rank black loam," although the tubers may be large 
and numerous they are rarely ever palatable. 

The very best soil is one made rich by previous fertilizing — 
where some other crop had grown. Fresh manures have a ten- 
dency to fire the vine, and induce rot in the tuber. Barnyard 
manure should be old and well decayed, and freely mixed with 
leaf mould, gypsum and salt. Ashes, or something to furnish 
potash should be liberally supplied. Oyster shell lime may be 
used to decided advantage. Ground bones, or rather bone flour 
is an excellent and also a safe fertilizer for this vegetable. In 
clay soils the land should besubsoiled, as the feeding roots under 
favorable conditions go down two feet or more in quest of food 
and moisture. A successful cultivator says : **As the potato is a 
root that sends out fibres not only near the surface, but deeply, 
if possible, it can never produce such a crop as where the land i& 
broken eighteen inches to two feet." And in addition to enhanced 
yield, there is another, and perhaps greater advantage to the 
market gardener secured by deep plowing, namely : increased 
earliness. 



POTATO — IRISH. 113 

Broadcast manuring when practicable, is to be preferred in 
most crops, because it insures ample supplies of food convenient 
to the roots, and it facilitates crop-lapping or succession on the 
same ground. But it would manifestly be far better to apply 
the manure in the drill than to distribute an insufficient quantity 
over the whole field. 

The question : " Whether whole tubers are better than cut," is 
still unsettled, and is likely to continue so. For market, cutting 
the larger into two or more pieces, and planting the smaller 
whole is generally adopted. 

Some experimenters insist that large and early potatoes can be 
more reliably obtained by planting large size tubers from which 
all except one or two eyes have been removed. Another plan is 
to sprout them under straw. They should be exposed to light 
and sunshine in fair weather, and well prote'cted at night and 
also during the day in cold w^eather with straw. As soon as • 
green leaves are formed the whole set is planted out in the 
ground up to the leaves. 

In the general crop — the subdivisions of the tuber will depend 
upon the size ; there should be two eyes to allow for accidents, 
but not more. 

If the manure is to be applied in the drill, I would suggest the 
following plan, having found it to work well. In the last plow- 
ing, let the land be broken up into beds as wide as the rows are 
to be apart, I prefer three feet. Into the water furrows thus 
made let another furrow be run to deepen it, and in the bottom 
of this drop the potatoes at intervals of ten inches. If commer- 
cial fertilizers are used, contact with the potato may he avoided 

by requiyng the one who drops the seed to tip over a sufficient 
8 



f 
114 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

quantity of dirt to cover it, at the time it is deposited in tlie 
furrow. Immediately following this operation is the distribu- 
tion of the fertilizer, either by hand or a machine for the pur- 
pose; after which the whole is covered by two narrow scooter 
furrows, one on each side of the row. . 

By this method the seed is deeply planted — a desirable object 
— the manure is on the same plane as the seed ready for instant 
use, and the shallow covering at first permits the heat of the sun 
to penetrate to the seed and encourage early and vigorous growth. 

As soon as the plants show well above the ground, take two 
more furrows from the middles for their support. And ten days 
later the remainder of the middles may be broken out with turn 
plow, which, if the previous work in the way of preparation has 
been thoroughly done, will comprise all the cultivation required, 
with perhaps once passing through the alleys with a cultivator. 
Though I have made good crops in which this last operation was 
omitted, and the use of the hoe alogether dispensed with. As a 
general rule, however, the cultivator may be profitably employed 
several times during the growth of the crop in keeping the sur- 
face soil open and porous, as well as to free it from continuous 
crops of grass and weeds in their embryo state — ready to spring 
forth after every shower of rain. 

The operation of " cutting up " potatoes for seed should be 
performed at least a week before planting, and the cut side im- 
mediately sprinkled or rubbed over with gypsum (land plaster) 
or, if that is not at hand, then hardwood ashes. By this means 
the wound will cicatrize sooner, and stop the loss from "bleeding." 
The size of the tuber is said to be increased by pinching off" 
the flower buds as they appear ; but it is exceedingly ques4ionable 



POTATO— IRISH. 115 

'^vhetlier the author himself of the suggestion ever took the trouble 
to utilize his discovery to any great extent. 

The maturity of the tuber is usually indicated by the dying 
out of the tops or vines. Then comes gathering and shipping. 
The loss occasioned by carelessness in digging is very heavy ; for 
a slight wound consigns an otherwise choice potato to a second, or 
perhaps third class package. Yet it is impossible to convince 
the average laborer of the "disastrous effect of even a puncture 
from his rake or prong hoe. An implement that would lift the 
potatoes from their bed, and leave them >vith intact coats on the 
:Surface and fully exposed to view, would speedily enrich the 
inventor. The plow should do ail the work of digging, and the 
ground subsequently gone carefully over with the rake or prong 
hoe. As fast as dug the potatoes should be conveyed to the barn 
or shed and spread out to dry. They are then assorted, divided 
into at least three shipping grades, forcibly packed into second 
hand potato barrels or new ones if to be had, of the same dimen- 
sions, and the heads securely fastened and held in place by nail- 
ing the head hoops all around. Plenty of holes for ventilation 
should be made. Imperfectly filled packages has been frequently 
.assigned as the cause of unsatisfactory sales. Hence every effort 
must be made to get them full enough to allow for some shrink- 
age. Have the barrels repeatedly shaken while filling, and the 
standard of measure such a height as to require the weight of a 
man to press the head into the chine grooves. 

In assorting, let the invariable rule be perfect uniformity in 
the package as to size, color and general condition. Avoid the 
mistake of trying to improve the price of a lot of inferior pota- 
toes by mixing a few choice with them. Half a barrel of No. 



116 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

1 mixed with a like quantity of No. 3, will not command the' 
price of a barrel of 2's — the natural average. It will bring no* 
more than if the barrel had been filled with 3's at first. Such 
experiments only entail loss upon the producer, and are not apt 
to be repeated by the same individuals. 

As to variety, it is difficult to advise. Chili Red, or Garnet 
Chili is the kind grown on the Island of Bermuda for the early 
Northern market. It is also preferred by some of our owp 
market gardeners. 



POTATO— SWEET. 

Convolvulus batatas. 

ANALYSIS. 

Starch 184.23^ 

Albumen 54.47 

Coagiilable Al bumcMi 1 9.40 

Caseine 9. 70 

Sugar and Extract 53.49 

Dextrine and Gum 6.93 

Fibre 17.09^ 

Gum R e s i n 2.07 

Water 64L72 

Silicic Acid 0.24 

Sulphuric Acid 0.16 

Phosphate.? of Lime and Magnesia 2.78 

Lime 0.08 

Magnesia 0.07 

Potash 6.30 

Soda 0.60 

Chlorine 54 

Starch is a compound of 42.8 carbon ; 6.35 hydrogen, and 
50.85 oxygen in 100 parts — 100 parts of albumen is composed of 



POTATO — SWEET. 117 

^ fraction over 52.8 of carbon ; 23.8 of oxygen ; 7.5 of hydrogen, 
^ncl 15.7 of azote, or nitrogen. Caseine is the basis of cheese. 
Dextrine is the gummy matter into which the interior substance 
-of starch globules is converted. 

This vegetable is introduced only for the purpose of showing 
its constituent parts ; which will be found of interest, notwith- 
standing the fact that the humblest colored farmer in the State 
would consider himself insulted were it even hinted that he could 
"be instructed in the culture of this staff of his life. It may be 
well to state that the Seminole Indians cultivate a variety of 
Sweet Potato of great excellence, which should be extended 
over the State. 

Within the last two or three years, our truck gardeners have 
realized in some instances handsome returns from the shipment 
'Of Sweet Potatoes to Northern markets. Successful experi- 
ments have been made with the Nansemond Potato, the favor- 
tte with Northern consumers, but which we think inferior to 
•several Southern varieties. 

To make Sweet Potato raising profitable, arrangements 
■must be made for getting sprouts or slips from tubers, early 
enough to plant out in the open air as soon as the danger of 
-frosts is passed. 

Kidges are thrown up four feet apart, and the slips cut into 
lengths of fifteen to twenty inches, and dropped at intervals of 
■ten to twelve inches, are caught in the middle with a stick hav- 
ing a notch or fork above the end, and pushed down five or six 
Inches into the ridge. Do this after a rain. 



118 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

RADISH. 

Raphamis Sativu'^. 

ANALYSIS. 

ROOT. LEAVE!?' 

Potassa 21. If") 5.05 

Soda 11.09 

Lime .». 8.78 2790 

Magnesia 3.58 7.08 

Sulphuric Acid 7.71 9.64: 

Silicic Acid 8 17 8.22 

Phosphoric Acid 40.09 6.07 

Phosphate of Lime 2.19 16.45 

Chloride of Potassium 1.29 

Chloride of Sodium 7.07 8.50 

The Radish does best on sandy soil ou which some other 
crop has grown or which has been previously enriched. Ground 
bones, ashes, and salt will supply the special manures. It does- 
not require the ground to be as rich as many other vegetables. 
If too rich, much of its substance is wasted in forming fibrous^ 
roots. 

This is an important garden product at the North ; but it is- 
grown with Cabbages, Cauliflowers, etc. Planted between the 
rows of even the earliest of these vegetables, it comes off in so 
short a time, as not to be in the way at all. The mildness of our 
climate would allow of its being grown throughout the winter 
season. So that it might be produced at any time to supply the 
Northern demand. So far as known it has not been cultivated 
to any extent for shipping purposes. 

There are several varieties, both of the fusiform or spindle 
shape, and turnip root. 

The Long Scarlet Short Top is very generally grown as a 
market varietv. 



RHUBARB. 



119 



Scarlet Turnip and White Tipped Scarlet Turnip, 
are also good varieties. 

Yellow Summer Turnip. A good variety for summer. 
One ounce of seed will plant one hundred feet of drill. 




RHUBARB. 

Rh e urn Rh apon t icu m. 

This species of Rhubarb 
in common with all others is 
a hardy perennial plant, and 
since ifs introduciion into 
En 2:1 and more than three 
hundred years ago, has con- 
tinued to increase in popular .^ 
favor, for the many purpose^ 
in the household economy to which it it is adapted, but chiefly 
as a pie plant. 

It is a native of Asia and Southern Russia, and the leaves 
were used at an early period of its cultivation, as a substitute for 
spinach. 

The leaves are very large, supported by petioles — the parts 
used in cooking — which in the finer varieties are from one to 
two inches in diameter. 

Rhubarb culture in the United States, although now number- 
ing a good many years is almost exclusively confined to the 
Northern States. 

The rapidly grown stalks contain but little woody fibre, and 



120 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

are readily cooked to a i)ulp^ which, with sugar, is used for pies, 
tarts, etc. The acidity is due partly to oxalic, but more largely 
to malic acid, both acids being in combination with potash as 
acid-salts. 

VARIETIES. 

Myatt's Linn^us is rated a superior variety, very early, of 
medium size, but tender and of excellent flavor. ■ 

Buist's Early Red : With stalks three feet long and quite 
early, is esteemed by some as better suited for our climate than 
most European varieties, on account of its standing the heat 
better. 

ANALYSIS. 

LE.\.F- LEAF- 
CONSTITUEXTS. BOOT. STALK. BLADE. 

Silicic Acid 4. GO 1.55 8.93 

Phosphates 3179 24.70 22.79 

Lime 5 41 2.75 6.74 

Magnesia 3.37 0.23 1.86 

Pota.sh 8.30 5.88 9.25 

Soda 28.60 37.02 32.14 

Sodium 0.17 1.83 2.48 

Chlorine 0.26 2.80 3.78 

Sulphuric Acid 5.96 5.87 5.02 

Organic matter thrown down b}' Nitrate of 

Silver 8.49 17.37 7.51 

100.00 100.00 100.00 

Showing that Rhubarb abounds in soda and the phosphates, 

and suggesting as specific manures, ground bones, guano (mixed 

with gypsum) and seaweed, if attainable, or, in its absence, crude 

soda. 

The ground for it can hardly be made too rich, if moisture 
sufficient is also ensured. In our latitude it would be decidedly 
better to get roots from seedsmen, and after proper sub-division 



• SALSIFY. 121 

get them out in the fall in checks two and a half to three and a 
half feet each way. About two years from the root, or three 
years from the seed is the time required for it to reach maturity. 

Rhubarb is not unfrequently raised in the gardens of Europe 
for ornament, and the general utility of its large handsome 
leaves. 

" The finest species is said to be the Himalayan, discovered by 
Dr. J. D. Hooker, it forms a pyramid a yard and more high, 
ihe base of which is of shining green leaves, with red petioles 
find plumes, and the upper parts of delicate straw colored 
bracts Avith pink edges." 

As a medicinal plant, Rhubarb was known to the Chinese 
^vorld as claimed by a Celestial writer on herbs, as far back as 
to about 2,700 years before Christ, which was during the lifetime 
of Noah, probably while he was a spruce young man of only a 
4?entury or two old. 



SALSIFY. 

Tragopogon porrifolius. 

This plant is more commonly known in the country as Veg- 
etable Oyster, on account of the resemblance in flavor to the 
oyster. In this State it is little known, and rarely seen, yet from 
its remarkable hardiness it may be grown all through the winter 
with perfect safety. 

The cultivation of Salsify is similar to that of the Carrot, 
^nd like that vegetable is largely used fq/- flavoring soups. Its 



122 



GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 



long tap root after being lightly scraped, is 
boiled, buttered, and served as Asparagus, 
for which it is a very acceptible substitute. 
For a mock oyster dish, the roots are cooked 
as above and then chopped up and seasoned 
with pepper, salt, vinegar, etc. 

Salsify is not likely to be much in re- 
quest for its oyster taste, in a section wliere 
that delicious bivalve is so superior and 
plentiful as in this State. 

Like all tap-rooted plants, the soil for this 
vegetable should be very deep and mellow 
from liberal fertilizing. Sow the seed pret- 
ty thick in drills a foot apart, and when an 
inch or two high commence thining and 
continue until the young plants are finally 
left about six inches apart in the drill. 

Plant so as to use before hot weather sets 
in. 




SHALLOT, or ESCHALLOL 

Allium Ascalonicum. 

A species of Onion which many prefer both for eating in it& 
natural state, and for the various culinary purposes in which the 
Onion is employed. It seems rather anomalous, that, while it 
possesses a stronger flavor than the Onion it does not hold on to 
the palate with such pQ^-tinacity. 



SPINACH. 125 

Each offset of the root will increase if planted in a similar 
manner as its parent. 

The soil should be made light and friable, but need not be so 
rich as for the Onion proper, nor does the Shalot like as much 
moisture. Throw the land into beds four feet w^ide, and mark 
the drills about twelve inches apart and one inch deep. Plant 
the sets or cloves about six inches asunder in the drill, leaving 
the apex of the clove just even with the ground. Do not draw 
the earth to the stalk as in Leek culture. The smallest offset& 
are preferred for the alleged reason that they will not mould in 
the ground. 

The first of October is the best time for planting in this 

climate. 

This vegetable is a native of Syria, and derives its botanical 
* 
name from Ascalon; where it grows wild. 



SPINACH. 

Spinacea Oleracea. 



ANALYSIS. 

Potassa 9.09* 

Soda 34. 9& 

Lime 13.11 

Magnesia 5.29' 

Sulphuric Acid 9 30 

Phosphoric Acid 7.89 

Silicic Acid 3.16 

Phosphate of Iron 8. 67 

Chloride of Sodium 7.98^ 



124 



GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 



> 








This plant is a Da- 
tive of Southern Eu- 
rope, and also of 
AVestern Asia. Its 
name is derived from 
the Latin word spina 
J a thorn, on account 
of the prickly seed 
>of one of the varieties. It is a hardy vegetable, and prized in 
•cold countries for the " greens " it furnishes at a time when there 
is not much choice. 

In this State where nature is more prodigal with her winter 
bounties, Spinach is rarely seen. If cultivated at all it must be 
mainly as a curiosity, since the same outlay of time and money 
^vould procure very superior vegetables at the same season. 

The Improved Round Leaved is the best kind for this 
^climate. 

Have the ground to be planted rich, including a liberal appli- 
•cation of lime and salt. 

Sow the seeds the last of October, in drills an inch deep and 
twelve inches apart, after the plants are well up thin out to 
.about eight inches in the drill. AVater freely if the weather is 
dry. 



SQUASH. 

Cucurhita. 
This is another vegetable that is grown in this State for the 
<f?arly Northern markets. And since only the first shipments 



TANYAir. 125' 

are profitable, it is highly important that they shoiihl be very 
early. 

A light sandy soil, made rich by ashes and stable manure is- 
best suited to the Squash. 

The bush variety is preferred for market. It comes early, is- 
easily cultivated, occupies less room than the vine, is a good 
kind to ship, and commands fair prices. 

The seed should be planted in hills or checks, three or four 
feet each way, with a peck of manure well mixed with the soil, to- 
each hill. 

There are two varieties of the bush scalloped SciUAsir, the 
Yellow and the White, differing only in color. 

Boston Marrow is much esteemed, but is from on(! to twa 
weeks later. 

Hubbard grows to a huge size in this State. On very rich 
land it is disposed to run too much to vine. This variety 
should be planted from six to eight feet apart. It will require 
five to six pounds of seed to plant an acre of the bush, and three 
or four for the running varieties. 



TANYAH. 

Colocasia Esculenta. 
This is the principal bread plant of the Sandwich Islands. It 
is a large leaved bulbous rooted plant, and as an article of diet 
possesses remarkable fattening qualities. Possibly in the canni^ 
bal days of those islands, Tanyah may-have comprised a desir- 
able preparatory diet for the doomed victims. 



12<) GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

Tanyah (leliglits in a rlcli, low, daini), yet well drained situa- 
tion, producing under lavorablo eircu instances a heavy crop the 
autumn succeeding the planting. 

"There are two distinct kinds named from their color, the 
pink and the blue, of'wliich the latter is thought ])y many to be 
the most iarinaceous, but others prefer the taste of the pink 
variety. 

The cultivation of Tanvaii is similar to that of the Sweet 
l*otato. From the smaller roots which arc reserved for the pur- 
pose, the planting is made about February, in rows four feet 
apart, and the sets two feet in the ro^Y. Keep the ground mellow 
and porous with a i)rong hoe. After maturity the roots may 
remain in the bed, and only dug as used, as they keep well. For 
the table the roots are roasted and seasoned with salt. 



TO MA TO. 

Lycoperfdcum !SoIan urn. 

This occui)ies the front rank of early vcii'etables jrrown in 
Florida (or Northern and AVestern INIarkets. Very early ship- 
juents, if in good order, and o\' attractive appearance, ^vill, be- 
yond a doubt, bring what may be truly termed ''fancy prices." 
To realize ^().00 to $10.00 i)er bushel, on even one hundred 
bushels is worth striving for. It will compensate for a consider- 
iible investment in material for forcing young plants. Yet beds 
ior this purpose may be constructed in many })ortious of the State 
at a very trifling cost. Shipments have been made, it is said, so 
^arly in the Spring as not io sell. ]>ut it is believed that the 



TOMATO. 127 

fault was in i^^jithcring them too j^rcon. The shij)per I'elied upon 
tlie To.MA roKs I'ipeiiiiig on the wiiy, as iisuiil. Jiiit tlie marked 
(liflereiiee in olimate at tliat season not only i-etarded — it wholly 
Arrested the i)roeess of rij)ening, mid (K'eay ensued. 

ANALYSIS. 

Curboiiio Acid 3817 

Si lien 0000 

Siilpluiric Acid 0011 

l*li(>s]»li()ric Acid and I'croxidc of Iron H401 

Lime 0020 

Magiiessiu 0540 

Potasli 7101 

Soda 8808 

Sodium 0952 

Cliloriiio 1472 

Ori;-aiiic Acid 1570 

For an early erop, light, sandy soil, moderately enriched with 
bone flour and wood ashes, oi- leaves comj)ostcd with stable ma- 
nure is best. On l)lack meadow or bottom land the Tomato 
will continue longer in bearing, and ])ro(luce largei- fi'uit, but 
these advantages will be purchased at the cost of earliness. It 
is of course more economical to numurc; in the hill — aiul may be 
done just before transplanting. The distance adoi)te(l by a ma- 
jority of the market gardeners is five by three. Kows five feet 
apart and plants three feet in the row. It is claimed by some 
that if planted nearer, four by three for instance, or even three 
by three, the first shipment will be ready several days earlier. 
This is worth lookinjr into. 



o 



Tomato land may be broken uj) into beds of the width the 
rows are to be, and then run a central fui'row for the plants ; or 
use the water furrow (which is the one left between the beds, in 
the operation oi' '' lehUnrj '' as it is called,) the wav corn is 



128 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

sometimes planted. AVith the fertilizer iu a sack swung arc^iuul 
his neck, one man can drop it at intervals of say three feet, fol- 
lowed by another with a hoe to mix the manure with the soil, 
and, as the finishing act at each hill, to make a hole to receive 
the plant. A third operator drops the plants from a bucket con- 
taining sufficient water to cover the roots well, and a fourth sets 
them out. Or, the work may all be done by one or two, if 
necessary, but of course with less dispatch. In the above direc- 
tions for transplanting, it is assumed that the work is performed 
during or immediately after a good shower. 

Should the ground be dry, apply water freely after the opera- 
tion. It is important to set the plants deep if inclined to be 
spindling. Assuming the land to have been thoroughly broken 
in the previous preparation, the after work will be light. Fre- 
quent stirring of the soil with a cultivator or sweep, especially 
after a rain, ^viil be beneficial. 

On much of the old hammock lands of JNIiddle Florida,, 
though worn by long, and in most instances ruinous cultivation, 
no fertilizer will be required for growing Tomatoes. In old 
gardens, without any special fertilization stakes six feet above 
ground are used as supports. And this staking has been found 
necessary in some Tomato market farms near Tallahassee. 

On new lands Tomatoes will bear longer and yield more in a 
given season. But where earliness is so essential to profitable 
culture, no effort should be spared to produce the largest quan- 
tity of good, marketable fruit, in the shortest time. 

Well drained sandy soils are w'armest. They absorb heat 
quicker and part with it more slowly than clay soils, because of 
greater porosity. And the absorptive quality is afi'ected by 



TOMATO. 129 

color. Dark shades possessing it in a greater degree than light. 

Altitude, within certain limits, is also favorable to warmth. 
So that hill sides with southern exposure, and hill-tops are less 
liable to injurious cold than bottoms, or valleys, or plains in the 
same latitude. 

The modifying effect of large bodies of water upon cold cur- 
rents of air is well known and may be secured by a situation on 
the southeast side of one of our large lakes, where the otherwise 
fatal northwest wind would, in its passage over the water, be 
robbed of its death dealing power. 

These facts are important in selecting a situation for a market 
garden, and should be thoughtfully considered. The advantages 
of soil and location are not confined to any one section, but are 
pretty evenly distributed throughout the State. For instance the 
cultivator of the level lands of the South can utilize the clear 
water lake bordering his farm, while the resident of Northern 
Florida, or more properly Middle Florida, can resort to his 
beautiful hills, and find an almost equal degree of immunity 
from cold. 

Tomatoes should be transplanted at least once before their 
final removal to the field, as it makes them more stocky and self 
supporting. Besides, the seeds are generally sown too thick, and 
unless " pricked out " early and given more distance the plants 
grow up spindling and weak. Therefore, as soon as the young- 
plants are two inches high, thin out to three inches in the drill, 
and remove to other beds or boxes. 

VARIETIES. 

Acme is a very handsome, solid, smooth variety, Avith a slight 

purple tinge. 
9 



i;>() OAKDENINO IN I'l.Olil DA. 

Hatiiaway's 10x(^rls[(>k : An tiirly, smooth, solid variety, 
wliich, with tlio Acmk, is hirucly ^lown hy tlie market gardeners 
of Florida. 

To slice up I'oi- the tal)le, the best Tomato grown, although 
not very salable on aeeount of'eolor, is (Joldkn Troimiv, a large 
yellow Tomato, of unifoi in ripeness, yolld and with a llavor 
more like that of some finit, especially if served with sugar 
instead of vinegar. 



TURNIP. 

J>ritss!('a J\aj)a. 

ANALYSIS OK I'll K SWi;!)!-: AND COMMON WIIIIK I'llKMI*. 

MilllVlNo's (OM.MONT 

SWKDK. WIUTK. 

h'oo/. Lfdi'i-s. /i*()(;/. Lcnrcff. 

PotMSMH ;l(i.l(i 'JO.;Ui 48.6(1 12.08 

Nnlil •l.i»!) 

Liiuo II.:5(; '2;\.W (;.T;5 'JH.78 

Mno-nosia '2.1\ L'.!»ii l>.L>(i 'J.85 

Ses(iuioxiilo t>r Trctii O.L'S I.'.IO O.CC, O.SO 

Sulphuric Acid 1 I.I'd (i.AO rj.Sd 7.8;J 

Siiicii !.(;;{ 'i.ii ().!)(•. i>,()r) 

Curboiiic Acid O.-VI C.K; It. 82 I I ill 

Phosphoric Acid 12.51 (1.54 7.('»5 IMT) 

C!hl(iri(lo of Potiis.^iiiin !».77 15.50 

Cnilcridc of Sodium •».77 17. OD 5.11 1().(;7 

This is einphalieaily a lield crop, and of sueh importanee in 
England as to call forth the statement that " England eould 
better give up lu'r navy than her turnip eroj)." It is largely 
grown all over the United States, for the use of man and beast, 
aud its cultivation well untlerstood. We in.scrt the analysis to 



TiiLNir. 131 

assist tlio iii('\'|)('rl(Mi('('(l tiller of llic soil to |)r(*pare his 1)cm1 or 
** l>jitcli " Jro MS to ixiiili/e tiiu best results, " ('ow-pciiniiig " is 
tlu! best mode ol' eiii'iciiiiiL;' the soil I'or TuitNirH. Next, iishes, 
i;i'oiiii(i hones, with stable mniiiire {ind vc<^otable matter scattered 
in the drill after tliorouglj plowing. Lay off the drills two feet 
apart, and sow as thiidy as yon can. One onnce of seed will 
sow over one hnndre<l feet of drill ; abont one and thrce-fonrth 
pounds will phmt. an acre. 

'I'liio Ili'i'A Ji.uJA, or SwiODio TniiNir is extensively planted 
and highly esteemed, especially I'or the Autumn crop, of whi(rh 
the "INin-iJO TorPED," with oval tapering root, is a good 
vxiriety. It attains to immense size, and, unlike most vegetables 
in that respect, does not suffer in quality what it gains in (pian- 
tity. On the contrary, itw Ihivor and nutritious qualities are 
said to increase with the size. 

Skirvin(;'s hijMtovici) Swicde, although not so large as the 
preceding, is thought to be more nutritious. Flesh yellow. 

The strap leaved varieties, Kaklv Wjii'iio Dutch, and Early 
TvioF) Toi' Dcrrir, are very j^opular, chiefly on account of 
earliness, the Early Wihir taking precedence. 

There is also the Wiiiri': (Iimwk, a large, handsome globular 
' shaped variety. 

The first seed sowing for the early fall and winter crop may 
be made in August, and the best place a piece of new ground in 
which the greater part of the large forest trees are left standing, 
to protect the young plants i'voin the noonday [sun, otherwise, 
and especially if the weather is dry, they will perish as fast as 
they reach the surface. This fre<piently occurs when the i)lant8 
ave so minute as to be scarcely visible to the naked ey(^, and as 



13'2 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

a consequence the seedsman has to bear the blame for the failure^, 
when if the truth could be ascertained the germination was per- 
fect, and the fault due to the Avant of shading of some sort untiJ 
the plants are a week or two old. 



YAM— CHINESE. 

Dioscorea Batatas. 

The history of the introduction of this vegetable into Euro- 
pean countries, by Montigny, the French Consul at Shanghai, is 
rather remarkable. After a succession of failures in the potato- 
<jrop some forty years ago, extended inquiries were made to dis- 
cover a more reliable substitute for this important bread-stufT^ 
which resulted as above stated. 

" It has annual stalks or vines, and perennial tuberous roots. 
The leaves are opposite, triangular, cordate, acuminate above, 
with round basilar lobes, seven or eight nerved converging 
towards the top. The length and breadth of the leaf is about 
equal, having a smooth, glossy surface, and of a deep green color. 
Its footstalks are half of the length of the leaf, furrowed and of 
a violet color. The flowers — of a pale yellow — are dioecious." 

The root or tuber is from one to two inches in diameter and of 
varying length. When first introdnced it was deemed a great 
addition to our stock of vegetables but has long ceased to at- 
tract much attention. It is very productive, and is propagated 
and cultivated like the Sweet Potato, with which every one i& 
perfectly familiar. 



TROPICAL FRUITS, TREES, &C. 



A list of the names of such Tropical Fruits as are now growing 
in Florida; together with a few of those, which, from authentic 
accounts of their climatic requirements, may be easily introduced 
and successfully cultivated here. To this list is also added a few 
edible nuts, useful and ornamental trees, etc., indigenous to trop- 
ical countries ; concluding with two or three belonging to the 
►class of Semi-Tropicals, and one the LeConte Pear, destined to 
be a great acquisition to Southern marketable fruits. 



Akee. 

Avocado, or Alligator Pear 

Banana. 

Bread-Fruit. 

•Cacao. 

Cherimoyer. 

•Cocoanut. 

Cocoa Plum. 

•Custard Apple. 

Date. 

Durian. 

Jack Fruit. 



Tropical Fruits. 

Kuronda. 

Lichee. 

Mammee Apple. 

Mammee Sapota. 

Mango. 

Mangosteen. 

Papaw (Carica papaya). 

Pine Apple. 

Sapodilla. 

Sour Sop. 

Sweet Sop. 

Tamarind. 



Tropical Nuts. 

Ivory Nut, or Vegetable Ivory. Pistachio Nut. 
Nutmeg. 



134 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

Useful and Ornamental Trees. 

Butter Tree. Coffee Tree. 

Calabash Tree. Teak. 

Ricepaper Tree. 





Palms. 


Areca Catechu. 


Guinea Palm. 


Areca Lutescens. 


Hardy. 


Betel Nut Palm. 


Inaja. 


Bossu. 


Palm via. 


Cabbage. 


Peach. 


Chusaii. 


Piassata. 


Coco de Mer. 


Rattan. 


Coquita. 


Sago. 


Do urn. 


Talipot. 


Draco. 


Toddy. 


Ethiopian. 


Wax. 


(With Date 


and Cocoanut, already d 



Semi'Tropieal Fruits. 

Guava. Loquat, or Japan Plum. 

Japan Persimmon. Orange. 

Kumquat, or Otaheite Orange. 



LeConte Pear. Strawberry. 



TROPICAL FRUITS. 

The general inquiry for information concerning the cultiva- 
tion of Tropical Fruits, on the part of prospectors, and new 
settlers, suggests the propriety of devoting a fev/ pages to this 
interesting subject. And the keen relish with which siich infor- 
mation is received, is equally shared by the amateur horticultur- 
ist, eager for whatever is novel or ornamental, with the calcu- 
lating market gardener, ever on the alert for additional sources 
of revenue. 

That the Tropical feature in Florida horticulture has been 
much exaggerated, both as to its area and jirofitableness, is to be 
deplored, since it has resulted not only in individual disappoint- 
ment and loss, but has tended to retard development in that 
quarter. 

In the " haste to be rich," on the part of unscrupulous land- 
sellers, they have established and removed at pleasure frost lines 
by a dash of the pen. Scarcely a county, or election district, 
but could boast of a locality totally free from all damaging cold. 
Nevertheless there are places within the borders of our State 
favorable to the open air cultivation of very tender plants — ^of 
delicate Tropical Fruits. This is abundantly shown in the per- 
fect development of the Mango, Mammee Apple, Cocoanut, etc. 
Besides the fruits and nuts belonging to. Tropical and Semi- 
Tropical regions already in successful growth in this State, 
many others might be added by the co-operation of the United 
States Bureau of Agriculture; by State aid and possibly by 



136 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

private enterprise. Happily, througli the potent agency of 
steam, the practicability of interchanging antipodal exotics on 
equatorial parallels has been fully demonstrated. Moreover the 
commanding influence of our Government in all parts of the 
world, renders the accomplishment of such a purpose by no 
means diflicult, if properly managed. 

From the descriptions we read of some of the luscious fruits 
grown in India, there is little room for a doubt of their being 
turned to a profitable account, in the event of their successful 
cultivation in our State, while many others, unsuited to the more 
refined palates of Americans would by their wondrously beautiful 
foliage, and curious products, prove a valuable accession to our 
Ornamental Trees. 

The Author is largely indebted to a work styled " Gardening 
for India," by a noted English horticulturist, Firminger, for 
interesting information relating to plants and trees indigenous to 
that country, and also for hints respecting the treatment of those 
we are more or less faniiliar with, some of which, as the Pine 
Apple, Guava, ^laramee Apple, etc., are natives of the American 
Continent. . 



AKEE. 

Bllghia Sap Ida. 
This is a native of Africa, and in some places a large tree ; in 
others it has been dwarfed to ten feet without diminishing in the 
least its bearing qualities. Trees of the above size " covered 
with their scarlet fruit, contrasting beautifully with the fine rich 
foliage among which it hung," are described as presenting a re- 



AVOCADO, OR ALLIGATOR PEAR. 137 

markably ornamental appearance as seen during the months of 
September in the public gardens at Madras. 

" The fruit is of the size and form of a small lemon, somewhat 
ribbed, and when ripe of a beautiful vermillion color." It is 
much esteemed in the West Indies, were Sir J. Paxton thinks 
" it is not much inferior to a nectarine in flavor." It ranks 
much higher, however, as a vegetable than as a fruit. In Kings- 
ton, Jamaica, "it is prepared by first parboiling in water with 
salt, and afterward stewed or fried in butter. It is said to be 
wholesome and to well merit its name of vegetable marrow." 

It blossoms in June and ripens the fruit in October. We might 
easily import it from the W^est Indies. 



AVOCADO, or ALLIGATOR PEAR. 

Persea Gratlssima. 

A native of the West Indies, this fruit is successfully grown 
in Florida, and has been known to bear in four to five years 
from the seed. 

The flowers are in spray, very small, and of pale yellow color. 

The fruit so much resembles a large green pear as to be readily 
mistaken for one before cutting into it. When fully ripe the 
fleshy part around the stone is of a bright yellow, and seasoned 
with salt, is thought to be "delicious" by those whose palates 
have been trained to relish it. 

In the centre is a large stone by which the tree, which grows 
to a large size, is propagated. 

In treating of the fruit as cultivated in British India, Sir J. 



138 GARDENINC} IN FLORIDA. 

Paxton wi'itot?, "however excellent when ri})e, the Avocado irf- 
very dangerous it'|)ulle(l and eaten before maturity, being knowni 
to })ro(lnee i'ever and dysentery." No such etlects, so far aS' 
known have evei- attended their use in this State. 



BANANA, Musa Sapientum. 
PLANTAIN, Musa ParacUsiaca. 

Notwithstanding the eti'orts of some Botanists for a time t<^ 
maintain a botanical distinction between the Banana and Plan- 
tain, as belonging to dillerent species, it is now vei-y generally 
agreed that the former is only a variety of the latter. Horticul- 
turists in India have abandoned the name Banana altogethei", 
and treat of varieties under tiie generic name Pi-antain. 
In Tropical America, however, the old distinction, it seems 
still obtains. The smaller, more delicately flavored varieties of 
fruit being called Bananas, while the larger and coarser kinds 
are known as Pi-ANrAixs. Some writers adoi)t a peculiar 
method of distinguishing between Bananas and Plantains. It 
is this: All fruit of the kind that is thought to be improved by 
cooking — usually sliced and (Vied like sweet potatoes — is recog- 
nized as of the Plantain family, and, on the other hand, such as 
are more relished in the fresh or raw state are designated Ban- 
anas. The Plantain of the AVest Indies and of Southern 
Florida is not only larger and coarser than the Banana, but is 
longer and more angular, and the dark red or ])ur})le spot which 



BANANA — ri-AN'I'ArN. 1l);? 

appears upon the stem and leafol'llie I>anana is waiiiiiiL,^ on (lie 
Plantain. 

There are those donhth'ss who will ohjcu't to my classifying the 
Banana with troj)ieaI I'rnils, because of their being grown in as 
liigli latitudes as the ()i-ang(>. It is, however, nont; the less (rue 
that only the coarse Horse iianana can be relied upon above the 
tropical region. The root of the ]5anana is i*arely if ever killed 
in any part of Florida, and the appearance of large trunks — the 
growth of oidy a fcnv months in rich soil — ^is no guarantee of 
fruit niatui'ing trees. For no IJanana plant can spring from the 
root and perfect its fruit in oiu; season. Yet there are winters in 
which even this delicate j)lant is not affected by the cold anywhere 
in the State. 

The soil for the Banana shouhl be exceeduH/fij I'ich and moist, 
but there must be no stagnant water within reach of the roots. 
It is a very gross feeder, and if plentifully supj)rh(l with water 
which will induce a rapid and surprisingly vigorous growth, it 
may be fed with fresh, strong manures, and in large quantities. 

It is considered a very exhausting (;roj) in India; so nuich so 
as to make it advisable to change the land (ivery few years. This 
statement appears unreasonable in the face of the very small 
])()rtion of the tree lost to the soil, together with the dense shade 
of its broad leaves. 

Generally the pulp is fi-ee from seeds, but th(!re is said to be a 
kind growing at Akyab, and along tli(; (!oast of Arracan, full of 
rough, black seeds, as large as those of the cotton plant, and like 
them enveloped in a fd)r()us coat. 

The Spaniards at one time supposed the l^anana to be the 
forbidden fruit, and from some fancied resend)lance to a cross, of 



140 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

the marks on a transverse section, claimed that in eating it Adam 
had a glimpse of the mystery of redemption by the cross. 

The Banana is propagated solely by suckers or shoots which 
spring from the root. They are separated therefrom with a sharp 
narrow spade, taking care to preserve as many roots with them 
iis possible. 

Set these shoots six feet apart each way in trenches three feet 
^vide and twelve to eighteen inches deep, and fill up with good 
barn yard manure or guano composted with muck. Use water 
freely in the operation. Remove all over an average of two 
shoots, exclusive of the main stem, for a succession, unless it is 
desired to grow them for extending the area. 

About nine months after the shoots are planted, the large, 
heart-shaped bloom bud enclosed in a purple case shoots up from 
the center of the stalk, and bending over starts downward, un- 
folding as it grows, disclosing a number of beautiful waxy yellow 
flowers around the stem. The female flowers come first, then 
the male nearer the end of the stem, which wither away as the 
others developop into fruit. 

VARIETIES. 

Among the choicest varieties may be mentioned : 
1st. Chumpa, which is represented as possessing a remarkable 
delicacy of flavor. The stem of the leaf is tinged with red, 
which increases to a deep, well-defined red along the central leaf 
rib Fruit is of a pale straw color when ripe, and about six 
inches long. 

2d. Daccae. Another superior variety. Fruit smaller than 
above, averaging about four by two inches, flavor delicious. 
The red stripe on the foot stalk is broad, and a quantity of lime- 



BANANA — rLANTAIN. 



141 



like powder coating tlie stem aiul under side of the leaf. 

3d. MusA Chinkn8is Cavkn- 

^ , .^ Disiiir. This variety is a dwarf 

as to the height of the tree only. 

The trunk, leaves and size of 

bunch being cjuite equal to the 

taller kinds. Indeed the bunches 

are enormous, having been 

known to weigh two hundred 

pounds. It has been cultivated 

in this State for twelve years or 

more and is highly esteemed r 

For transporting long distances 

it is objected to for the reason 

that the fruit decays very speed- 

^ ily after arriving at maturity^ 

MusACAVEXDisHiT. gi^^l yct uulikc most other varie- 

ties, the fruit from prematurely gathered bunches is said to be 

utterly worthless. 

4th. Brazil Banana. The tree attains a height of twenty 
feet ; fruit yellow and very fine with a vinous flavor. 

5th. Tahitian. Somewhat similar to the preceding, but not so 
tall, fruit yellow, turning black when ripe ; slightly acid taste. 

There are also other, and perhaps sub- varieties, of the above 
in cultivation in this State, known by the common names Lady 
Finger, French, Horse or Hog, a very hardy but coarse kind, 
•growing all through the northern part of the State. 

Although the bunches of most Bananas hang down — reaching 
to the ground in the dwarf varieties — there is one found on the 




142 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

Society Islands with very large bunches of deep orange colored 
fruit, which stand up erect forming ornamental rather than use- 
ful objects, for their taste even when cooked is acrid and dis- 
agreeable. 

The natives of India have a curious way of securing two kinds 
of fruit on the same bunch. They dig up a sucker each of two 
different varieties — having the suckers of the same size and age- 
These they split in half with a sharp knife, then bind together 
^lose and firmly a half of each kind, and then plant out and 
cultivate in the ordinary way. 

Bananas constitute the chief article of food of many Mexican 
tribes. They may be fried with butter or baked with the skins 
on. For permanent use they are cut into strips and dried in the 
sun, or pounded and made into a paste. 

They are very wholesome and nutritious. Humboldt affirmed 
that a surface which would bring wheat enough to feed but one 
rman, will produce in Bananas, food sufficient for twenty-five men. 



BREAD FRUIT. 

Artocarpus incisus. 
There are several species of Tropical Trees, whose product has 
frequently but incorrectly been designated Bread Fruit. One 
of these is the Carica Papaya, or Tropical Papaw. Another is 
the Jack or Yack Fruit tree, Atrocarpus integrijolius, quite com- 
mon in British India, and described in another place. But there 
is little doubt that the one now under consideration, viz : Arto- 



BREAD FRUIT. 143 

carpus iiicisus, a native of the Pacific Islands, and which fur- 
nishes such an excellent and popular article of farinaceous food, 
is best entitled to the name. 

The Bread Fruit tree is described as exceedingly ornamental, 
which, added to its fine timber qualities, would independently of 
its fruit, render it a valuable acquisition to our lawns and parks. 

Its maximum height is stated to be about forty feet, but this, 
if deemed an objection, may be materially modified by dwarfing. 
As it ig; its foliage, with large (ten by twelve inches) deeply in- 
cised leaves, of dark green color, and polished upper surface, 
presents an imposing appearance. 

The flowers are monoecious or unisexual, and the female por- 
tion grows into a round green fruit, from six to eight inches or 
more in diameter. 

The fruit is oval in form, and about the size of a Cantaloupe, 
The exterior of the seedless variety is very little if at all muri- 
cated, i. e., covered with small cones or tubercles, like the Pine 
Apple or Sugar Apple, but is reticulated with " slightly prom- 
inent areolae." 

The process of prep'aring the fruit of the seedless variety for 
-eating is thus described : " The ovaries become thickened, and 
when nearly ripe, the receptacle is gathered and baked by prefer- 
ence, in the ground. The crust is then removed to the depth of 
half an inch, and the farinaceous pulp eaten fresh, when it much 
resembles bread made with eggs. Or it is mashed and packed in 
bundles, and buried in the earth for future consumption. A 
slight fermentation takes place and then ceases, and the pasty 
mass will keep for years. If suffered to remain on the tree until 
fully ripe the fruit becomes sweet, and resembles clammy cake 



144 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

rather than bread, Avith an unpleasant odor." An English resi- 
dent of India was so well pleased with his first venture in prepar- 
ing and eating Bread Fruit, as to record it for the encourage- 
ment of novices. * * " Sliced and fried it seems to me, a& 
well as to all who partook, to be hardly distinguishable from an 
excellent batter pudding." 

Mixed with Cocoanut milk the pulp is said to make a delicious 
pudding. 

The above variety being without seed, can of course be propa- 
gated only by layering, cuttiugs, etc., and this will necessarily 
operate unfavorably to its introduction into this State. Still, we 
need not despair. For if we can interest our consuls in the mat- 
ter, we may through their influence, favored perhaps by English 
friends, perfect such arrangements as will result in the safe trans- 
portation to our shores of this much admired exotic. 

In the other varieties — those that pi^oduce, seeds, the nuts, or 
seeds — which comprise the only edible po/tioi**^-^are contained 
within the large fruit or melon. They are roasted and eaten 
like chesnuts, having much the same flavor, and are said to be 
quite palatable. On the exterior of this kind, the conical marks, 
are deeper indented. They are propagated from the seed. 



CACAO. 

Theohroma. 

The beans of this tree furnish the Cocoa of commerce. 
" It is called by the Mexicans chocolat from which comes the 
English word chocolate." It is found in most tropical countries 



CACAO. 145 

extending as far as 25° on either side of the equator, though it 
is said to flourish best between the loth parallels. 

This tree " is an evergreen, producing fruit and flowers 
throughout the year. If unchecked it attains a height of about 
thirty feet, and resembles in size and shape a black heart cherry 
tree. The leaves are smooth and oblong, terminating in a sharp 
point. The flowers, which are small, appear in clusters. * * 
The fruit resembles a short thick cucumber, five or six inches 
long, and three and a half inches in diameter. It varies in color 
according to the season, from bright yellow to red and purple, 
and contains from twenty to forty beans. These are arranged in 
a pulp of a pinkish white color, in five rows. Their size is about 
that of a sweet almond, but thicker. In this respect, however, 
there is a great ditference in the trees of diflferent countries. In 
Central America the fruit is much larger, being from seven to 
nine inches in length and three to four inches in diameter, and 
contain from forty to fifty seeds. In the West India Islands and 
in Demerara, it is so small as to contain only from six to fifteen 
seeds. The rind of the fruit is smooth, thick, tough and tasteless. 
The pulp which encloses the bean is a sw^eet, slightly acid sub- 
stance, something like that ol the Watermelon, and is used for 
food. The fruit matures for gathering in June and Dacember. 
The beans when separated from the pulp and dried in the sun 
are ready for market." 

In some countries the fruit is placed in a tub, covered over and 
fermentation induced, by which some of its acrid, bitter qualities 
are removed. 

" The shell is of a dark brown color, and furnishes the Cocoa 
10 



146 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

shells of commerce. The seeds yield by expression an oil that is 
very nutritions, and acts as an anodyne." 

The above interesting description of this valuable tree is taken 
from the American Cyclopaedia. 

It is highly probable the Cacao will succeed in Tropical 
Florida. 



CHERIMOYER. 

Anona Cherimolia. 

The Cherimoyer is a native of Peru. The fruit is described 
as about " the size and form of the Sour Sop, and of a light 
green color." It is also assigned to " a middle place between the 
Sw^eet Sop and Custard Apple, being subsquamous like the 
former, and reticulated like the latter." 

Perfect specimens are found in Jamaica, but only in mountain- 
ous localities. 

So extravagant are the praises bestowed upon this fruit and 
the Mangosteen by all who venture upon a description, that one 
may well be at a loss, unaided by the senses, to conceive of — 
much less to subscribe to — the existence of such transcendent 
excellence in any fruit accessible to man. 

Mr. Markham discourses thus : " They have most of the other 
kinds of Anonas in India, but the Cherimoyer fruit, the most 
exquisite of all has yet to be raised. He who has not tasted the 
Cherimoyer has yet to learn what fruit is." 

And Dr. Seemann avers that : " The Pine Apple, the Mango- 
steen and the Cherimoyer are considered the finest fruits in the 
world. I have tasted them in those localities in which thev are 



COCOANUT. 147 

supposed to attain their highest perfection — the Pine Apple in 
Guayaquil, the Mangosteen in the Indian Archipelago, and the 
Cherimoyer on the slopes of the Andes — and if I were called 
upon to act the part of a Paris, I would without hesitation 
assign the apple to the Cherimoyer. Its taste, indeed, surpasses 
that of every other fruit, and Hsenke was quite right when he 
^called it the master-piece of nature." 

After such a grandiloquent tribute, how does the following 
brief declaration of Dr. Lindley sound ? " Fenelle says one 
European Pear or Plum is worth all the Cherimoyers in Peru !" 
What a hurried descent from the sublime to the ridiculous, or, 
possibly, from the ideal to reality. 

This famous fruit it now growing on Indian Eiver in this State, 
but has not to my knowledge borne as yet, although those en- 
gaged in its cultivation speak favorably of its withstanding the 
x3old of last winter, 1883-4, an unusually severe one. 

The plants were distributed, I learn, by the United States 
Commissioner of Agriculture. 



COCOANUT. 

Cocos Nucifera. 

Strictly speaking, the Cocoanut should be classed among the 
.edible Nuts, where it properly belongs, but in this State it is cus- 
tomary to speak of it as a Tropical Fruit, and since it is a matter 
of little consequence, I will conform to the usage. 

From authentic information at hand, it ma}'' be safely predic- 
ted, that within the next ten or twelve years, large areas will be 



148 



GARDENING IN FLORIDA, 




devoted to CocoaDiit cul- 
ture, and the fruit or 
nut will become one of 
the leading exports of 
Florida* Already have 
many thousands been 
planted along both 
coasts — Atlantic and 
Gulf — of the Southern 
Peninsula ; and many- 
additions are made 
every season to the 
number of Cocoanut 
gro\Yers. 
True, its successful cultivation — on account of its exceeding 
sensitiveness to cold — is restricted to rather narrow limits, never- 
theless there are hundreds of acres on the numerous keys and on 
the main, well adapted to the purpose. 

It w^ould be well for those who contemplate engaging in the 
business to note the follow^ing facts : "The farther the Cocoanut 
Palm is removed from the shore and influences of the sea, the 
more its growth is diminished and the less abundant its fruit." 
If taken far into the interior it become a languishing, dwarfed 
tree. It will grow and even bloom in a higher latitude than it 
will fruit. The American Cyclopaedia states that the Cocoanut 
grows as far north in India as 26° 50', but does not bear fruit. 
No mention is made as to its flowering in that latitude. The 
precise limit of its cultivation in Florida can from existing data, 
be pretty accurately determined. The latitude of Lake Worthy 



COCOANUT. 149 

on the Atlantic coast, where the Cocoanut grows well and bears 
full crops, appears to be about 26° 20', and Fort Pierce, on St. 
Lucie Sound, near which the author saw in 1871, a flourishing 
tree, which he was told had never borne, although old enough, is 
on the parallel of about 27° 10' to 1-7 K latitude. These esti- 
mates of fractions of a degree are guesses, but are sufficiently 
correct to indicate the method of reliable investigation. Now if 
the tree growing on the shores of St. Lucie Sound, was, as w^as 
positively affirmed, prevented by the cold from fruiting, the ex- 
treme northern boundary of the maturity of this nut is some- 
where between these points, whose difference in latitude cannot 
exceed two-thirds of a degree. 

Lake Worth lies parallel to the Ocean, and distant only a few 
rods with a sand ridge between. Originally the water was fresh, 
but some years ago a ditch connecting it with the Ocean was cut 
by an old sailor. This was soon widened and deepened by tidal 
currents into a channel four or five feet deep perhaps, and thirty 
to forty feet wide, constituting the Lake Worth Inlet of the 
present day. 

The Gulf Stream, as is well known, passes quite near the shore 
line, bordering the noted Lake Worth section of Dade county, 
and it is probable that this admitted meteorological modifier has 
extended the limit for the maturity of tender vegetation further 
north than the latitude alone would justify. 

Proximity to the Ocean, that great storehouse of solar heat and 
generator of aqueous vapor, is always favorable to the cultivation 
of tropical plants. But suitable provision must be made to 
guard against disturbing winds and salt spray, to many of which 
they are fatal. 



150 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

The common Cocoanut tree attains a height of "sixty to one 
hundred feet, and a diameter of one to two feet." Each tree has 
twelve to fifteen leaves, eighteen to twenty feet long, one half of 
which are renewed annually. The old leaves dropping off leave 
scars on the trunk which are rather ornamental. 

The flowers come on the axils of the leaves, enclosed in a thick 
tough spathe. In favorable places thes3 clusters c^me every sis 
weeks during the rainy season common to tropical countries, and 
each one ripens from five to fifteen nuts. Each tree has a suc- 
cession of fruit throughout the year, yielding from eighty to 
two hundred nuts. It is said to require a whole year to bring 
the fruit from the first appearance of the flower to maturity. 

In planting, some persons, after removing the husk, bury the 
nut a few inches under ground, being careful to place the end 
containing the three black spots — the monkey face — uppermost. 
The stem will rise from one of these, but very irregular as to 
time. In some instances germination is protracted to six months 
or even a year, in others, the sprout appears while the husk is 
still green. This want of uniformity in the germinating period 
of the nuts taken promiscuously, has led observant cultivators to 
adopt the plan of sprouting them before planting; decidedly the 
better way for obvious reasons. The husk is not removed by all 
growers, by some the nut is planted just as it drops from the 
tree. 

In India the following method is practised: During the 
month of April the ripe nuts are laid down on the ground and 
covered an inch deep with sand and seaweed, or soft mud from 
the salt marsh and watered every day until they germinate. In 
September those that have sprouted are set in holes three feet 



COCOANUT. 151 

deep, and twenty to thirty feet apart. It is recommended to 
bed the young plants with mud and seaweed previous to plant- 
ing. For two years after planting they should be regularly and 
freely watered ; it would also be well to protect the young plants 
from the glare of the sun by shading them with palm leaves. 

The growth the first two years is very slow, but after that, if 
treated as directed they make rapid progress. 

The time for coming into bearing varies from four to seven 
years from germination ; and they continue to bear for seventy 
years or more. 

So far as known to the author, only the common Cocoanut 
Palm has as yet been introduced into Florida. There are, how- 
ever, many other varieties of this useful tree, several of which 
growing in British India, and described, by English horticultur- 
ists, we might profit by importing. 

The two mentioned below it' equal in bearing and other good 
qualities to the one we have, would seem to be desirable if only 
for the greater facility in gathering nuts in the jelly state, on 
account of the dwarfish nature of the tree, viz : 

The King Cocoanut is said to be " very handsome, of a 
golden orange color, and never attains to more than fifteen to 
twenty feet in height." This is a very choice kind, a native of 
Ceylon, where on account of its being confined to the gardens of 
the higher Cingalese, and a few European gentlemen, it is difii- 
cult to procure. 

Dwarf Cocoanut is likewise represented to possess superior 
qualities. In Ceylon it is in much request, growing to be only 
fifteen feet high. 

So numerous are the uses to which the diflferent parts of this 



152 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

most valuable tree are or may be applied, Eastern nations allege 
that a description of them all would fill a book. Not an im- 
probable assertion, since the tree furnishes food, clothing, shelter, 
medicines, implements of war, luxury, household economy, etc. 

The oil obtained from the nut, is after all, doubtless, the most 
remunerative item of manufacture, and that which gives the prin- 
cipal value to the nut, when grown not too distant for export in 
that shape. 

Owing to the very crude appliances employed in the manufac- 
ture of oil by the natives cf East India and Polynesia, there is 
very great waste. For while containing more than twenty- 
eight per cent, of oil, from ten to twenty nuts are allowed to the 
production of one quart. The best is used in cooking, or for 
annointing the body in hot climates, and the inferior kinds for 
illumination. Of that imported into England and the United 
States, the greater part is used in the manufacture of soap and 
candles, some in pharmacy in place of lard, and* some in med- 
icine as a substitute for cod liver oil. 



The following brief but interesting and instructive account of 
the cultivation ot the Cocoanut, and other tropical plants, was 
written by Dr. G. W. Potter, of Lake Worth, Dade county ; 
and will be prized by all those in quest of information concern- 
ing that rapidly growing portion of Tropical Florida. 

" The cultivation of the Cocoanut is assuming large propor- 
tions in South Florida. Several hundred thousand have been 
set out within the last two or three years along the Atlantic 
coast, which, owing to the proximity of the Gulf Stream, is the 
portion of that section most favorable to the growth of this palm. 



COCOANUT. 153 

" On Lake Worth alone twenty thousand nuts or more have 
been set out, or are in nurseries soon to be transplanted. The 
usual method is to place the unhusked nut in nurseries, and after 
the sprout appears — which will be in three to six months — trans- 
plant. The sprouted nut is planted fifteen to twenty feet apart, 
in right angled row^s, or in quincux, the latter plan being best 
adapted to breaking the force of the wind. 

" On Lake Worth fruit has appeared in the sixth year from 
planting the sprouted nut, which is the average time in land 
suited to its growth. The Cocoauut does not get into full bear- 
ing for a year after the fruit first appears, and then produces an 
average of two hundred nuts yearly, giving twenty thousand at 
least to the acre. So^ue palms have been known to drop a nut 
daily, but this is exceptional. 

" The cultivation of the Cocoanut should be very shallow, and 
only enough to kill out weeds. The trees should have plenty of 
sun, and be well mulched, except in low swampy places. The 
nearer salt water they are planted, the better they will thrive : 
frequently growing and bearing, standing in salt water at ordin- 
ary tides. 

" The advantages that the cultivation of the Cocoanut offers, 
are the slight attention required after setting out the nuts ; its 
freedom from all diseases, no die-back or bugs attack it ; and the 
fact that the nuts after picking can be stored until it is con- 
venient or profitable to transport them to a market. Probably 
in a dry, dark place the nuts would remain sweet for a year ; 
certainly for six or eight months." 

On the culture of Pine Apples, Dr. Potter has this to say : 
" Pine Apples are planted about ten thousand or more to the 



154 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

acre, according to the ideas of individuals, and bear in two years- 
from the slips, and in five to eight months from the suckers. 

" The common Spanish Pine is the only variety cultivated to 
any extent on Lake Worth." 

Of other fruits he writes : 

" Mangos, Mammee Apples, Alligator Pears, Sappadillos and 
Sugar Apples are grown on the Lake. All except the two last 
named require from six to ten years to bear. Sugar Apples 
bear in two years or less in good soil, but owing to their delicacy 
can only be transported short distances. 

"These are all set out at the i-ate of one hundred to one hun- 
dred and twenty-five to the acre." 



COCOA PLUM. 

C/wysobalanus Icaco. 

This fruit, also called Spanish Nectarine by some writers, is 
generally assigned to the West Indies as its native country. It 
grows so abundantly on the Southern Atlan'.ic Coast in this 
State as to warrant the belief of its being indigenous. On the 
fresh water streams flowing into Biscayne Bay, and likely in 
other similar situations, it is found in great quantity and of lux- 
uriant growth. 

The tree, or more properlv bush, is from ten to twenty feet 
high, and bears a fruit the size of a large plum, of red or purple 
color. The white pulp has a very pleasant flavor and adheres 
firmly to the stone, which is disproportioned in size to that of 
the plum. 



CUSTARD APPLE. 



15.5- 



There is another kind which grows along the beach on an in- 
significant looking shrub similar to that of the common Papaw 
of the northern counties, or the Buckeye of this State. The size 
is about equal to the first described, but the flavor is superior.^ 
Both might doubtless be greatly improved by cultivation. 



CUSTARD APPLE. 

Anona Squamosa. 

The Custard Apple is 
indigenous to most if not 
all the Tropical countries 
of the world. But the 
same species, from all ac- 
counts, possess very differ- 
ent qualities in different 
places. Of this fact I am 
satisfied after comparing 
Firminger's estimate of 
"the delicate and delicious 
flavor of the custard-like 
substance" of the Asiatic fruit with Dr. Macfadyen's report of 
the same species in the West Indies, and the remark that he had 
" never met wdth a European who was partial to it." From 
Avhich Firminger concludes with this very appropriate remark : 
"This would seem to apply that the fruit produced in India 
where it is so universally approved of, must be vastly superior to 
that grown in what as been assigned as its native country." 
And this fully accords with my own test of the disgusting 




156 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. • 

specimens of so-called Custard Apple growing wild in the south- 
ern part of Dade county. The resemblance to the edible fruit 
applied only to the size and shape. The trees on which it grew 
were large and small — high and low. 

The tree in India is small and well adapted to orchard cul- 
ture. Flowers large and of greenish yellow color. 

The fruit is said to be equal in size to the largest apple, and 
when fully ripe is liable to burst and fall to pieces in handling. 
It is such a favorite with birds and squirrels as to require to be 
covered with a net during the bearing season, for protection. 
Another method of preserving the fruit from the depredations of 
the denizens of the forest, is to wrap each one up in a piece of 
muslin when about the size of a hen's egg. Only a fruit of rare 
excellence could justify so much care and trouble. 

To market this delicate fruit, it is gathered long before it is 
ripe and matured in straw. 

" This tree," says General Jenkins, " grows in the highest per- 
fection, in the most rocky and barren parts of the country, and 
spontaneously out of crevices of rocks, and old walls, and a^^par- 
ently wild. 

" Plants are propagated from seed, and are of very rapid 
growth, coming into bearing in two or three years time. A 
supply of old cow manure applied to their roots during the cold 
months is of great benefit to them." 

A judicious system of pruning is recommended. 

The addition of this to our collection of tropical fruits is 
greatly to be desired, and it is to be hoped that the importation 
of seed from India will be made through the action of our State 
Legislature at no distant day. 



DATE PALM. 



157 




DATE PALM. 

Flucnix Dactylifera. 

5 There^is probably no tree 
on the globe, the sight of 
Avhich has so revived and re- 
joiced the heart of the de- 
spairing traveller as the Date 
Palm. To the fainting, dying 
pilgrim of the trackless desert, 
it is indeed the harbinger of 
life itself, and it is pleasant to 
know that this tree has be- 
come a habitant of our own 
sunny land, and is destined 
to rank high among its fruit 
products. 

The Date Palm has quite 
a rough trunk made by the 
scars of fallen leaves. It is 
more erect than the Cocoanut, 
and is said to attain the 
height of eighty feet, though 



it is a slow grower. The leaves, of a pale pink color, are pinnat- 
iscet, bearing linear leaflets conduplicate at the base, and the 
lower leaflets often assume the form of spines. 

The flower spathes formed in the axils of the leaves, like the 
Cocoanut, are woody and contain spadices with many flamens ; 
more than eleven thousand have been counted on a single male 
spadix. As the flowers are dioecious, the impregnation of the 



158 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

female blossiom by tlie male is, of course, indispensable. To in- 
sure a full crop this is done artificially thus : (Hit offthespadices 
of the male ^vhcn the pollen is ripe, and carefully shake over 
those of the female. 

Propagation is effected both from seeds and by offshoots from 
the root. At eight years old it bears a full crop of fruit, which, 
depending upon the quality of the soil, varies from one hundred 
to four hundred dates. 

In the East the date ripens in August, and when dry is buried 
in the sand, where it will keep for years. According to the ex- 
perience of some Florida JJate growers, it is better to gather the 
fruit before it is quite ripe, and expose it to the sun for several 
days, which is said to mellow and sweeten it. 

The late A. J. xVdams of this State evinced an enthusiastic 
interest in the horticultural progress of Florida. Through his 
influence with the Bureau of Agriculture at AYashington, valu- 
able contributions were made to the tropical fruits of the State. 

In an article on the Date Palm written ten or twelve yef.rs 
ago, Mr. Adams stated that he had growing on his i)lace, near 
the Southern Gulf Coast, " about one hundred trees of the Bus- 
SORAH, AssoNAt), Mi^NCHiCK, KiuoN and KosETTA varieties, 
which, although small, are making good and promising growth, 
and are not affected by either droughts, floods or Northers." 

Of the numerous varieties of this fruit, amounting to nearly a 
hundred, Mr. Adams considered the Yellow Rosetta among 
the choicest. " Preserved in layers like Muscated Raisins, it is 
sold at a high price in London and Paris, and also in the princi- 
pal American cities under the name of Sugar Dates." 

The crushed dark colored Dates usually sold at village stores 



Dl'lilAN, ]r)9 

jil. M low |)ii('(', arc tluMJrdiiiary lii.ACK or (Jomaii I )a'I'io, iiml 
which are prepared for tlie niarkel as I'ollows: 

" Lar«]:e vats hohlini;' ahoiil, one l.oii (>a('li are ^n-achially filled 
with (Viiit., which is trochh'ii down by men and wotiieii, water 
l)ein<^ added IVoiii tiiiu^ to liine to soften tiie fruit. 'VUv. siir{)lllS 
juice or syrup is then di'aiucd <tli' |,o he used forculiuary purposes, 
as molasses, etc., the resi<lue heiiijj; luade into lar;j;e cakes, which 
are covered with niatlin^^ and ship|)ed to the various markets of 
llu^ world." 

Fermented Dale I^'ruit /nakisa palatable wine; so also does 
the sap or juice of the tree, which is obtained by lappin;:; as in 
sugar making fi-om the Map!e. Date sap is likewise converted 
into sugar by the usual i)rocessoi'evapora(i()n. Tlu; ti'e(^ is tapped 
a little below the lower leaves of the crown. A full ^^lown tree 
it is estimated will yield two gallons of saj) a day for three 
months, commencing the lii'st of November. 

The Date I*alm has been known to beai- in five yeai's from the 
seed in this State, and the yic^ld of a matured tree is said to 
range from three hundred to five hundred pounds per iiiinum. 



DURIAN. 

Dnrio Zlheilihiuti. 

This is a largo forest tree, a native of Malay, and grows to the 
height of eighty feet. The leaves are long pointed, oblong in 
.shape, and of a silvery icd (;olor. Flowers yellowish green 
irrowinir in clusters on the main branches. 

The fruit called Dikian is round or oval in shaj)e, and ten 



160 



GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 



inches tliroiigli the long- 
est way. Ithasiitliick 
rind covered with strong 
and liaril prickles. It 
is divided into five cells, 
each containing from 
one to four seed, as large 
as a pigeon's egg. Su r- 
rounding which is the 
edible part, consisting 
of a delicious cream col- 
ored pulp. 

Although the flavor is so delicious as to give a high market 
value to the fruit, the odor is very repulsive to the uninitiated, on 
account of which it has been called " Civit Cat Fruit." 

The seed when roasted are said to resemble chesnuts in flavor. 

Each tree is estimated to produce tw'O hundred Durians in a 
season. 

It is propagated from seed. 




JACK FRUIT. 

A rtocarpus integrifolius. 
This tree " grows to a considerable size, and is found in nearly 
all parts of India." Major Drury states " that if planted in a 
stony soil, it grows short and thick ; if in sandy ground, tall and 
spreading, and if the roots happen to come into contact with 
water, the tree will not bear fruit." 



JACK FRUIT. 161 

The Jack Fruit, according to Firminger, is " ouc of the 
largest in existence, and an ill-shapen, somewhat oval formed, 
unattractive looking object. The interior is of a soft fibrous 
consistency, with tlie edible portions scattered here and there. 
By those who can manage to eat it, it is considered most delicious, 
possessing the rich spicy scent and flavor of the Melon, but to 
such a powerful degree as to be»quite unbearable to those unac- 
customed to it. 

If the edible pulp of the fruit be taken out and boiled in some 
fresh milk, and then strained off, the milk will, on becoming 
cold, form a thick, jelly-like substance, of the consistency of 
blanc-mange, of a fine orange color, and of a melon-like flavor. 
Treated in this way the fruit affords a very agreeable dish for 
the table." 

Of the two kinds mentioned, the Kujja or hard kind, distin- 
guished by the large size of the edible pulp, and by the abund- 
ance and thickness of its juice," seems to be incomparably the 
superior. *' The exterior of the fruit is smooth to the hand, an<l 
green, and the nuts or seeds comparatively small." 

Unlike most fruits, the Jack Fruit grows "upon stout foot- 
stalks projecting from the main trunk, and thickest branches of 
the tree," and not from the end of the branches, wisely arranged 
thus, for "in no other way, could its ponderous weight be sus- 
tained." 

" The situation of the fruit is said to vary with the age of the 
tree, being first borne on the branches, then on the trunk, and 
in old trees on the roots. Those borne on the roots, which dis- 
cover themselves by the cracking of the earth above them, are 

held in highest estimation." 
11 



162 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

The natives of India have an ingenious mode of training this 
tree, which will be tried, if, as is hoped it will be, introduced 
into Florida. 



KURONDA. 

Carlssa Carandas, 

Firrainger says the Kuronda is " a small shrub with dark 
shining leaves, and most formidable thorns. A native of India 
and common in all parts of the country. 

'" Don describes it as a tree of fifteen to twenty feet high, but I 
have never met with it more than at most four or five feet high." 

The blossoms appear in February, and the fruit matures in 
August and September. In size, shape and color, it is said to 
resemble the Damson, but contains quite a number of small seed. 

The chief excellence of the fruit consists in the several uses to 
which it may be applied in the culinary department. When 
ripe it makes a choice preserve ; in ita immature state, " from 
about the middle of May to the middle of July, it is used for 
tarts and puddings, for which purpose, no fruit of the country 
(India) is preferable." A high endorsement truly, when we 
recall to mind the number and variety of such fruits in that 
country. It is to be hoped we shall ere long have this valuable 
fruit so easily propao;ated from seed, and consequently so cheaply 
importable, growing in our own beloved land. 



LICHEE. 163 

LICHEE. 

Nephelium lichi. 

This East India fruit, about the size and shape of a large 
Plum, is described as growing on " a large shrub or small tree of 
dense, handsome foliage, blossoms about the middle of February 
with sprays of small pale green flowers, and ripened its large 
bunches of fruit the beginning of May. 

The pulp is said 'to be "as delicious perhaps as that of any 
fruit in existence, resembles the white of a plover's egg, and con- 
tains a stone in the center." The stone or seed varies in size ac- 
cording to the excellence of the fruit, being comparatively small 

in the best. 

There appears to be a very great difference in the qualities of 
difierent kinds growing in India, but no botanical names are 
given. Firminger says the sort called McLeans, of those grown 
by the Agri-Horticultural Society, " is decidedly the best, though 
not finer than is frequently met with in private gardens." 

After a careful consideration of the habitat of the Lichee, it 
is believed it may be successfully grown in Southern Florida. 

The tree is propagated by the seed. 



MAMMEE APPLE. 

Mammea Americana. 
This is a native of the West Indies, growing to be a large 



164 



GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 




MAMMEE APPLE. 



tree closely resembling in 
shape and foliage the Mag- 
nolia grandiflora of the 
Southern States. 

Its success in Florida is 
well assured. The most 
probable impediment to 
its becoming a profitable 
crop is the difficulty, on 
account of its exceeding 
delicacy, of transporting it 
in the mature state. If 
pulled too soon it has a strong taste of turpentine, and is any- 
thing but palatable ; but if allowed to ripen thoroughly, it is a 
most delightful fruit. The Mammee Apple attains the size of 
an infant's head, resembling in shape a Russett Apple. 

The outer rind, which is thick and leathery, easily peels off; 
beneath this is a second very delicate coat, adhering closely to 
the pulp, and should be carefully removed before eating the fruit 
as it has a bitter taste. The seeds, of which there are two or 
three as large as Brazil nuts, and in the center of the Apple, 
are resinous and very bitter, but the pulp under the skin, which 
when ripe is of a deep yellow, resembling that of the finest 
Apricot or yellow Cling Peach, is very fragrant, and has a most 
delicious, though a peculiar flavor. 

It is served either alone, or cut into slices, with wine and 
sugar. 

A most delightful marmalade or preserve is made from the 
Mammee Apple. 



MANGO. 



165 



The tree iii Jamaica comprises the largest and most valuable 
timber trees. A variet\^ of the Mammee Apple has been nat- 
uralized in Africa, producing excellent fruit. 



MAMMEE SAPOTA— AMERICAN MARMALADE. 

Litcuma Mammosa. 
This tree is a native of south America, and bears a large oval 
or top shaped fruit, covered with a brownish rough skin, under 
which is a soft pulp of a russet color, very luscious, which is 
called natural marmalade, from its likeness to marmalade of 
Quinces, it i . . ul:ivated much in the AVest Indies and South 
America for its frait. 



MANGO. 

Many if era Indica. 

This fruit is a native of 
East India, but is also 
cultivated in Western 
Tropics, including our 
own favored " Land of 
Flowers," even though it 
may be in its less attrac- 
tive form of inferior var- 
iety. The tree in its un- 
cultivated state is large 
and tall, and where it has 
room for expansion, as on 
the outskirts of villages is wide spreading like our hickory, 




31 AX GO. 



166 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

walnut or persimmon, under similar circumstances. The 
Mango has been so changed, however, as to its habits of 
growth, by cultivation and its accompanying methods of propa- 
gation, cutting, grafting, etc., as to dwarf it to a size suitable for 
orchard or garden culture. 

It has simple, entire, lanceolate, leathery leaves, and large ter- 
minal panicles of flowers ; the calyx is four or five parted, petals 
six ; the stamen four or five, only one or two of which are fertile; 
ovary one-celled, with a curved style. 

The fruit is of an oval form a little flattened at the apex, and 
of various sizes, the better sort being about the size of a goose 

They also vary in color, at first green, then partly or wholly 
of a dull orange shade. The inferior kinds have been compared 
to tow soaked in turpentine, but the pulp in the choice varieties 
is said to be of the consistency of blanc mange, so as to be eaten 
with a spoon, and " rivalling if not excelling any fruit in the 
world for deliciousness of flavor." 

The Mango trees blossoms in Febuary with sprays of small, 
greenish flowers, possessing an agreeable fragrance, and strong 
enough to scent the air for some distance. 

From a great number of varieties, the following are rated as 
among the best : 

GoPAL Bhog, in high estimation, of moderate size, of a deep 
amber and orange color when ripe. 

Large Malda, a middling sized fruit of an olive green color 
when ripe, the interior of a deep orange color. About the finest 
of all. 

Referring to this variety, Firminger says : " To those who 



MANGO. 167 

have never partaken of it, no words can convey an idea of the 
merit of this exquisitely luscious fruit." 

Peter, a moderate sized Mango of roundish form, with a pro- 
jecting heel on one side. It ripens of a dull russett color, with a 
reddish tinge, and is considered of first-rate merit. 

Singapore, a fruit of the largest size, ripening all over of a 
greenish golden yellow. By some esteemed first class, by others 
only second, but its size is attractive. So is the size and color of 
Soondershaw, a large fruit when ripe, it is very gorgeous in 
color, of bright orange and vermillion. This is also rated second 
class. 

The Mango is readily propagated from seed, but there are 
opposite opinions respecting the seedling's coming true to its 
kind, and each sustained by strong backers. This diversity, 
based doubtless upon actual experiment, implies that it does and 
does not. Dr. James remarks : " The seedling of the grafted 
tree gives fruit in five years, and is nearly equal to the grafted 
plant. It too will grow in many soils where the grafted plant 
will not succeed." 

Another author of prominence writes : " Two of the trees 
raised from seed produced fruit exactly alike and fully equal in 
every respect to the fruit of the parent tree." 

It is a common ^practice in India to remove the earth from 
around fruit trees — the Mango among others — and expose the 
roots for two or three weeks. This is usually done in November 
of each year, and in December the roots are re-covered with a 
plentiful supply of well prepared manure. 

It is also stated that during the months of April, or while the 
fruit is swelling, to drench the soil around the stem with liquid 



168 



GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 



manure wheu jiracticable, or water, has been found very advan- 
tageous. 

Mr. Neeld, of Tampa Bay, and a successful cultivator of this 
fruit, reports that they bear at four to five years old, and stand 
the extremes of season, wet or dry, better than the orange. One 
tree, eight years old, bore last year, he says, 8,000 Mangos. The 
variety he does not give. Referring to the cultivation required, 
he adds : " The same culture as the Orange gets, is all they need." 



MANGOSTEEN. 

Garcinia, Mangostana. 

This Iruit is a native 
of the Mnlp.y Islands, 
about the size and shape 
of an Orange, growing 
on an upright stem, 
twenty feet or more in 
height. 

" The leaves are seven 
or eight inches long, 
three to four in breadth 
at the middle but taper- 
ing gradually to both 
ends; the upper surface is of a glossy green, and of an olive 
color beneath. 

" The flower resembles a single rose composed of four roundish 
petals of a dark red color, thick at the base but thinner toward 
the margins. The rind is like that of the Pomegranate, but 




MANGOSTEEN. 



MANGOSTEEN. 1G9 

softer, thicker and fuller of juice ; it is green at first but changes 
to a dark brown, with some yellowish spots; the inside is white, 
or of a rose color, and is divided into several cells by thin par- 
titions in which the seed are lodged, surrounded by a soft, juicy 
pulp of a delicious flavor, partaking of the Strawberry and the 
<^Trape ; one writer alludes to its qualities as * utterly inexpress- 
ible,' another speaks of it as being 'composed of the best of the 
mod palatable frmts, in magical combination.' " 

Besides being so pleasant to the taste, the Mangosteen can 
be eaten in great quantities without inconvenience or ill effects. 
The sick are permitted to partake of it free of stint or scru])le. 
In a word one might infer from the unmeasured terms of praise 
l)estowed upon this unrivalled fruit, that it either was or should 
have been the one that so fascinated our appreciative progeni- 
tress of Eden memory, as to lead to the indiscretion into which 
she was unfortunately betrayed. 

From the statement of Firminger that : "The cultivation of 
the Mangosteen in the open air at least, as high north as any 
part of Bengal [the southern part is about 22° or 2;>° N. lat. — 
Author.] seems now pretty well decided to be impracticable." 
We cannot hope to grow it in Florida without protection. Hence 
the assertion that it has been raised here unprotected, must be 
unfounded. It is not improbable that the fruit referred to is 
another member of the Garcinia family, viz: Garclnia Coiva, or 
Cowa Mangosteen and not Garcinia Mangostana. The CoWA 
Mangosteen belongs naturally to a much higher latitude. It 
is described as a very handsome tree, with luxuriant foliage of 
large laurel shaped leaves. The fruit, which, but for its contain- 
ing two much acid to suit most palates, would likewise be pro- 



170 



GAKDENING IN FLORIDA. 



iioimced delicious, resembles the Mangosteen proper in form, 
but smaller, and is ofa russet apricot color. 
It makes an excellent preserve. 



PAPAW. 

Carica papaya. 



The Papaw is said 
to be a native of Tropi- 
cal America. Itiseasily 
naturalized so that once 
becoming' established it 
is not easily eradicated. 
There is in the southern 
"^Ife^ i)()rtion of this State a 
/ N' Wild variety, growmgnt 



the forests, in some 
places so thick as to 
constitute a grove, 
PAPAW. which most likely orig- 

inated from the imported or edible sort, if so be it is an exotic. 
The trees attain to the height of twenty to thirty feet, with a 
diameter of a foot or so at the ground, but tapers upwards con- 
siderably. Is has no branches, and its foliage consists of a crown 
of leaves at the top whose petioles are so long as to supply the 
place of limbs in the proportional symmetry of the tree. 

The flow'ers are dioecious and appear in long racemes ; the 
males with funnel-shaped corollas, and the females with live dis- 
tinct petals. 




*kti/j^'^ ^m 



PAPAW. 171 

The fruit is a huge berry, as large as a good sized Musk 
Melon, to which, from its ribbed exterior and dull orange color, 
it bears a striking resemblance. It has a thick fleshy rind, and 
numerous small black wrinkled seed arranged in five longitudi- 
nal lines along the central cavity. 

The Papaw is eaten in a number of different ways ; but, from 
my experience the palate of most recruits should receive more 
or less schooling before any one of them is properly appreciated. 
Nevertheless, lovers of this fruit, either naturally or from ac- 
quired taste, are by no means wanting. 

Some persons prefer to eat it raw with pepper and sugar as 
you would a Cantaloupe, while others pluck the young fruit, boil 
it, and after adding sugar and lime juice make it into a sort of 
sauce similar to Ap'ple sauce. 

The tree is a prolific bearer, the upper part covered with 
flowers, and the lower showing large well matured fruit, all at 
the same time. 

Those who have tried thinning out the fruit to a limited num- 
ber, observing to do this when the Papaws are small, and 
drenching the trees with water from then until the fruit is fully 
ripe commend this plan very highly. The flavor, it is afiirmed, 
is improved to a marked degree, and the size increased to that of 
well grown Watermelons. 

The Papaw is propagated by seed, and comes into bearing 
within a year, during which time it reaches the height of ten to 
twelve feet. 

It is a pretty tree in the earlier stages of its growth, but an 
old tree is by no means attractive. 

This tree is much prized for qualities peculiar to it alone. It 



172 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

abounds with a milky, bitter juice, which contains fibrine, a prin- 
ciple with this sole known exception, belongs to the animal 
kingdom. A few drops of this juice mixed with water, will, in 
a few minutes, it is said, render tough meat very tender. The 
same effect is produced by wrapping the meat up in a leaf, and 
keeping it so over night. It is likcAvise claimed to make tender 
the flesh of old animals, poultry, etc., fed upon the leaves. The 
juice of the ripe fruit used as a cosmetic will remove freckles, 
and that of the green fruit is an efficient vermifuge. 

In the French West Indies the leaves are used for soap in 
washing linen. 

While several writers of authority ordinarily concur in attrib- 
uting the above extraordinary properties to the Papaw, Dr. Davy 
alleges, that after careful experiment, to ascertain the truth or 
falsity of the above statements, he failed to discover any such 
peculiarities. 

The tropical tree and fruit as described in the foregoing, 
should not be confounded with another genus, Asimina Trilo- 
ba, of the Custard Apple family, or anonacece, and common to 
the Middle States of the Union. 

In some localities this last named Papaw grows on a bush or 
shrub, in others — in the Southwestern States, notably in moun- 
tainous districts — the tree reaches thirty or more feet in height. 

The fruit is three to four inches long, and about two inches 
thick, with a tender yellow skin when ripe which encloses a soft 
.custard-like pulp, very sweet, seed large and flat. 



t'INE APPLE. 



PINE APPLE. 



173 



Ananassa Sativa. 

This delicious fruit is of South American origin, the plant 

being a native, probably, of Brazil. Its generic name comes 

from the aboriginal " nanas," from which the Portugese derived 

" ananas" and this is now retained in most European languages. 




PINE APPLE. 

Pine Apples are grown in several counties of this State, ex- 
tending so far north as to require full protection nearly every 
winter. Where this extra care is essential, their profitableness 
as a market crop may well be questioned, unless prices could be 
obtained similar to those realized for the products of English 
conservatories. Pine Apples grown under glass in England 
are esteemed to be of far greater excellence than any others, and 
command, as raised by market gardeners, from three to six 



174 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

shillings a pound, while the entire apple — imported from the 
West Indies — only brings half a crown, or two and a half shil- 
lings. Considering the enormous size to which these hot house 
apples attain, the largest on record being fourteen pounds twelve 
ounces, it would seem to be a paying business. Allowing even 
eight pounds for the weight of the apple, and four shillings as 
the price per pound would foot up $7.76 in our currency for a 
single specimen of this Hesperidean fruit. Contrasted with 
Florida prices, it may be stated that individual pines have not 
unfrequently sold for seventy-five cents in the interior, and when 
several years ago the owner of the largest Pine Apple field in 
the State sold an entire ship's cargo at an average of fifteen 
cents round, it was considered an admirable sale. 

The cultivation of this fruit in the southern counties, notably 
on the keys and along the shores of Indian River, is increasing 
in extent every year, and said to be remunerative. Its flavor is 
so very much improved by ripening on the bush, and rendered 
so universally acceptable to the palate, that every fruit grower 
might well afibrd a little extra labor to furnish such a luxury to 
his family. 

The Pine Apple is a biennial, with the habit of the Aloe, but 
has thinner leaves. It rarely produces seed except in the wild 
state. Yet it is by means of the seed that new varieties are pro- 
duced. It is propagated, like the Banana, by suckers springing 
from the roots, and also by slips from the sides, as well as the 
crown bud from the top. 

The suckers, or shoots from the root, bear fruit soonest ; in 
Dade county six to eight months is the usual time ; the slips in 
at least eighteen months, and the crown still longer. 



SAPODILIA. 175 

They are usually put out iu rows three feet apart, and two 
feet in the row, during the rainy season, in August. From the 
time of flowering, January to March, until the harvest, June to 
August, the plants — leaves and all, should be freely watered 
every day, and in arid districts the water is puddled around the 
roots. 

A sandy loam, well exposed to the sun and thoroughly en- 
riched with ground bones, is the most suitable soil. 

Among the choicer varieties are, Ceylox, said to be the finest 
flavored of all. Fruit rather large, greenish when young and of 
an orange color when ripe. 

Sylhet, or KoOMLAH, is a small fruit, compact in form, and 
of high reputation. The fruit is black when young, but turns 
to a bright yellow color when ripe. It is peculiar for the larj^e 
size of its eyes of which there are not more than seven or eio-ht. 

Dacca, very fine , remarkable for the smoothness of its rind 
and the white color of its eyes. 

Cayenne, a highly esteemed variety, largely cultivated in 
Europe. There are, besides the above, Queen, Rothschild, 
Prince Albert, etc., each with special endorsers of excellence. 
Cultivators of this fruit in India, earnestly recommend the 
frequent change of grounds, the same as in Banana culture, 
claiming as the result a very marked improvement both in the 
-quality and quantity of the fruit. Where a choice is offered 
jiew land is always preferred. 



SAPODILLA. 

Achras Sajiota. 
This tree is a native of Jamaica, but grows to perfection on 



17(5 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

the Island of Key West and other islands and many places on 
the main land in Florida. 

The tree has very rich and attractive foliage, and is much 
prized as a garden ornament. Its jOiowers are small and unattrac- 
tive. 

The fruit is round, from two to three inches in diameter, with 
a rusty brown, but thin and tender rind. The interior consists 
of a pale brown juicy pulp, surrounding black, almond-shaped 
seeds, with a flavor considered by some persons as exquisite ; 
while others pronounce it too sweet to be agreeable. 

There is said to be another variety which differs from the 
above only in the fruit's having the form of an egg instead of an 
orange. 

The tree is raised readily from the seed, and comes into bear- 
ing in about six years from planting. Like most tropical fruits, 
the Sapodilla is difficult to transport, unless prematurely gath- 
ered, Avhich impairs its flavor. It is frequently seen in the Jack- 
sonville market. 



SOUR SOP. 

A)ioiia Marleata. 

The nativity of this fruit is assigned to the West Indies, 
although grown in several Eastern countries. 

The tree is described as " small and shrubby, with dark green 
shining laurel-like leaves, of a pungent odor, somewhat similar 
to that of the Black Currant ; and a vei'y ornamental object 
when bearing its fine, large heart-shaped fruit." 

Of the fruit in the AVest Indies Mr. Gosse writes most favor- 



SWEET SOP. 177 

ably ; representing it as " lusciously sweet and of a delightful 
acidity ; often larger than a child's head ; covered with prickles." 

Very unlike the above description does the same fruit appear 
to East India growers, where most persons ascribe to it such 
"a harsh and unpleasant flavor as to be quite uneatable." 

As in the two named species of Anonacea?, " its form is like 
that of a bullock's heart, but rather prolonged. . The seed are 
scattered throughout a soft woolly pulp, intermixed with a juicy 
mucilage of a strong, rather vinous flavor, somewhat like that 
of the Pine Apple ; but it is wanting in sweetness, and has a cer- 
tain degree of rankness that causes it to be disliked by most per- 
sons who have not acquired a taste for it." 

It conies readily from the seed. 



BULLOCK'S HEART—SWEET SOP. 

Anona Reticulata. 

This is another fruit common to all tropical countries. In the 
southern part of this State, on both the eastern and western 
coasts, where it is cultivated and bearing abundantly, it is called 
Sugar Apple. 

The fruit looks much like a Raspberry would of the same size, 
with its depressions as if quilted. It sometimes grows to be as 
large as a man's two fists, of a dark brown exterior. The pulp 
is of a reddish yellow color, about the consistence of custard, and 
exceedingly sweet. To some palates the Sugar Apple is very 
acceptable, while others object to it as being too sweet ; " a sick- 
ening sweet." 
12 



178 



GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 



The tree resembles somewhat our Bhick Haw, aod is })ropa- 
gated from the seed. The fruit is entirely too delicate to bear 
transportation except very short distances, and even then the 
utmost care must be used. It is not likely to be cultivated to 
any great extent, unless on account of its ripening at a sort of 
odd time, when there is scarcely any other fruit. 




TAMARIND. 

Tamarui(his Imlica. 

The Tamarind is a 
large leguminous tree, six- 
ty to eighty feet high, and 
Indigenous to many parts 
of Africa and India. It 
has been long naturalized 
in Tropical America, very 
common in Key West — 
growing in the streets as a shade tree — and other portions of 
Southern Florida. 

Botanists assign but one species to the genus, and in this 
country there is only one variety that I can hear of, though there 
are three mentioned as belonging to India, viz : The SouR 
Fruited, the Sw^eet, or Sw^eetish Fruited, and the Red 
Fruited ; and while the use of all is confined to preserving, the 
last mentioned, whose pulp is of a rose color, is much preferred 
for the purpose. 

The leaves are compound, with ten to twenty pairs of small 
oblong leaflets, which form a dense shade. 



TAMARIND. 179 

The flowers are borne in racemes, and are fragrant ; they are 
white at first, l)ut soon turn yellow, with purple and brown 
stamens. 

'' The fruit is a legume or pod three to six inches long, straight 
or curved, thick, and with a hard, brittle exterior shell. The 
pods are indehiscent — do not break open when ripe. The seeds, 
ranging in number from four to twelve, are each surrounded by 
a tough, papery membrane, outside of which, and between it and 
the shell is a firm, juicy, very acid pulp — at least in the common 
kind, traversed by strong woody fibres, which start from the 
fruit-stalk, and run through, throwing off branches, to the 
opposite end of the pod." 

The common Tamarind is prepared for market by first select- 
ing fruit thoroughly ripe, which may be known by the increased 
l)rittleness of the shell ; the shells are removed, they are packed 
in a cask and boiling syrup is poured over them until the cask is 
full ; after becoming cool the cask is headed up, and is then 
ready for shipment. This is the common method practised in 
the AVest Indies. But a more desirable plan is to pack the fruit, 
freed from the shells, with alternate layers of sugar in stone jars. 

Fruit put up according to the last method, is mostly done for 
private use, and rarely found for sale. 

A drink is prepared by pouring boiling water over the shelled 
fruit, which is esteemed in tropical countries as a wholesome 
refrigerant, used in fevers ; it also possesses a laxative property. 

By boiling the preserved fruit with a small quantity of water 
.and straining, the pulp is obtained pure, and is used in that form 
.as an article of diet. 

The Tamarind is raised easily from the seed. 



180 



GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 




IVORY NUT, or VEGETABLE IVORY. 

Phytelephas Macrocarpa. 

From the resemblance of 
this plant to some of the 
Palms in the general appear- 
ance and growth of its leaves, 
it was at one time classed by- 
botanists as a member of the 
palmuceae family, but on ac- 
count of an essential difference 
in the structure of the flower, 
-^^^^^^^a^^-^^^m^^^^s:?— -^ -g j^^^^, assigned to a separ- 
ate order. It is a habitat of moist localities along the borders of 
water courses, in northern South America, and possibly in Ceii- 
tral America and the West Indies. I have seen the nut strewed 
along the beach between Jupiter Inlet and Cape Florida, carried 
there by ocean currents from more southerly shores. 

In its native lands it is found in thick groves to the exclusion, 
commonly of all other trees and shrubs. Its habits of growth 
are not unlike those of the Saw Palmetto in wet places. The 
trunk or stem " creeps along the ground for twenty feet or more, 
and then ascends, the upright portion being seldom over four to 
six feet high, and terminated by a crown of twelve or more pin- 
natified leaves, eighteen to twenty feet long. 

" The flowers are dioecious, the male plant taller and more 
robust than the female, and its flowers in pendulous spikes five 
or six feet long ; the female flowers are in bundles of six or seven, 
on short, thick erect peduncles, both kinds emit a penetrating 
almond-like perfume very attractive to bees. 



NUTMEG. 



181 



The fruit is a collection of six or seven drupes (stones), each 
containing seven to nine seeds ; these drupes are aggregated in a 
mass something like a rounded cone, its exterior being formed of 
the crustaceous covering of the drupes, which is rough, with 
woody protuberances. 

" Each mass weighs about twenty-five pounds, and there are 
six to eight to each tree ; these are called by the South Americans 
cabezas de negro, or negro heads. 

" The ovoid nut is about as large as a hen's egg, with a blunt 
prominence at one side showing the point of attachment, and 
often more or less flattened and angled by mutual compression ; 
the testa or outer covering of the seed is hard and brittle, and 
within is the copious, white, ivory-like albumen. In their earlier 
state the seeds are filled with a clear, tasteless liquid, which after 
a time becomes milky and sweet, and gradually acquires greater 
consistency, until at length it is 'nearly as hard as ivory." 
Animals and birds are very fond of it while soft. 

It is exported in large quantities to this country and to Eng- 
land, and used in the manufacture of cane heads, buttons, etc. 



NUTMEG. 

Myrisiica Fragrans. 

The tree producing Nutmeg is from twenty to thirty feet high, 
and is thought to resemble a Pear tree. It is found most plenti- 
fully in the islands of Asia, though it is also indigenous to Trop- 
ical America. 

The leaves are " petioled, and alternate, five or six inches loug, 
oblong, acute at the apex, entire, dark green, somewhat shining 
above and whitish beneath." 



182 (JARDENTNG IN FLORIDA. 

"The tree is dioecious, but exce})t when in lluwcr, the two 
sexes are not distinguishal)le." 

The fruit is pear-shaped, or nearly spherical, about the size of 
the peach, and consists of a fleshy j)ericarp or ca{)sule, which at 
maturity breaks open into two nearly e<]ual valves, and exposes 
the contained seed and its appendages ; this exterior portion of 
the fruit is about half an inch thick, of a yellowish l)rown color, 
and has an astringent juice ; in collecting the crop this is thrown 
away as useless, but in its young state it is sometimes made into 
a sweetmeat with brandy and sugar. 

The tree bears in eight years from the seed, reaches its maxi- 
mum in fifteen, and continues to bear for seventy to eighty years. 
The average yield per tree is live pounds of nutmegs and one 
and a half pounds of Mace — the substance enveloping the seed 
and also a valuable export. 

So desirable an exoticshould have a trial in our State. 



PISTACHIO NUT. 

Pistachia vera. 
The Pistachio tree is '* a native of Western Asia, and is gen- 
erally cultivated in Southern Europe," It is usually " twenty 
to thirty feet high, its leaves with three or HveleaHets ; the small 
flowers are dioecious, the males in close clusters, and the females 
in a loose raceme; the fruit is a sort of dry drupe about the 
size an<l shape of an Olive, the exterior portion somewhat woody 
and enclosing a seed which is known in commerce as the Pista- 
chio Nut. The seeds are irregularly oval, about an inch long, 
of a reddish green externally, and within of a bright green, ex- 
ceedingly pleasant to the taste, and in the countries where they 



BUTTER TREE. 



183 



grow, largely eaten as a luxury." Indeed it is alleged, tliat the 
scant supply ever seen in market, is o^ving to the extravagant par- 
tiality to them by the Turks and Greeks. European confection- 
ers use them iu place of Almonds in making sugar plum candy. 

There is also found in their cotyledons a harmless green color- 
ing matter, which is preferred to spinach juice by confectioners 
and i^astry cooks "to color ices and similar articles." The nut 
is also said " when fried in butter to form a delicious additi ai to 
the dessert." 

" The tree is hardy in England in sheltered places, and iii fav- 
orable portions of France." It would without doubt it is believed 
" succeed in our Southern States," and particularly in Flori^ta. 




THE SHEA TREE, (BASSIA PAIIKII), 
OR AFRICAN ]JUTTP:R TREE. 



BUTTER TREE. 

Bassla. 

This is a genus of Sapotacece, 
to which belongs many delicate 
and valuable fruits. Among 
which may be mentioned Sapo- 
dilla, Star Apple, etc. We 
learn from the American Cyclo- 
paedia that " the Indian Butter, 
fulrva, or phulivara tree {Bassla 
butyraced) grows wild on the 
Almora hills in India, the tree 
often measuring fifty feet in 
height and five or six feet in cir- 
cumference, with broad oval 



184 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

leaves, from six to twelve inches long, large pale yellow blossoms 
and pulpy fruit about the size of a pigeon's egg, containing two 
or three roundish brown seeds. The fat expressed from the 
seeds, of the consistency of lard, is white, ^vill keep for months, 
and is used as a substitute for animal butter. 

The Indian Oil or Illupic tree (Bassia lovgifolla,) similar to 
the above, grows in plantations on the south coast of Coromandel, 
and the fruit by pressure yields an oil used by the natives for 
soap, in cooking, and in their lamps. The wood is hard and 
valuable. 

The Mahiva, Madhaca, or Madhooka tree, B. latifolia, 
native of the mountainous 2^arts of Bengal, furnishes a hard, 
tough wood ; the tiowers distilled afford a strong, intoxicating 
liquor, and from the seed is expressed a greenish yellow oil used 
in lamps. 

The Shea Tree, or African Butter Plant (B. Parkii), is 
not cultivated but grows naturally in great abundance in the 
equatorial part of Africa. The fruit resembles the Spanish Olive, 
and from the kernel, dried in the sun and then boiled in water, 
is extracted a sweet, white, firm butter, which will keep for a 
year without salting. 

All of the above species are of easy propagation from seeds, 
by importing which we can test their adaptability to our climate 
at a trifling expense. In selecting for experiment, the hardiest 
and smallest growing kinds should be chosen. Though the 
natural effect of so distant a translation would induce a more 
diminutive growth. 



CALABASH TREE. 



185 




CALABASH TREE. 

Crescent ia Cujete. 

This tree is foiiud 
generally in the tropi- 
cal regions of America, 
and could be grown it is 
believed, in this' State. 
The great number of 
uses to which it may be 
applied, renders it al- 
most indispensable to 
the uncivilized tribes. 
The shell of the fruit is 
quite thin, but very 
hard, and furnishes the natives with a variety of domestic uten- 
sils, such as cups, bowls, goblets and even kettles for cooking. 
For these shells " are so hard and cross grained, that when filled 
with any fluid, they may be put on the fire and used for cooking 
like vessels made for the purpose. They are also cut and 
carved — variously stained, and polished as ornamental vessels." 

The tree is described as being " about the height and bulk of 
the x'^pple, with crooked horizontal branches, along which, and 
the trunk, its wedge shaped leaves and pale white flowers spring 
forth." 

The fruit is roundish, and varies in .size from a few inches in 
diameter to a foot or more. 

The pulp is not eaten, but is highly esteemed for the medicinal 
properties it is said to possess. 



186 



GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 



RICE PAPER TREK 



I .j-Ml 




/ tv'S A jfc/e^i \/r^ /zyi 



pv -^M^w^ 




The true botanical : aiie 
of this cuKous tree is Fat- 
sia papyrifera, as estab- 
lished by Decaisne and 
PlanchoD, and not Aral la 
papyrifera. It is thus de- 
scribed in the American 
Cyclopirdia : " The tree is 
-— ^ a native of Formosa, rarely 
^^ growing more than twenty 
*^S^ feet high, and branching 
above. The young stems, leaves and inflorescence, are covered 
with a copious down of stellate hairs ; the leaves on long petioles 
are often a foot across, round, heart-shaped, and five to seven 
lobed. The flowers are small and greenish, and are produced in 
pendulous panicles, one to three feet long at the end of the 
branches. The plant has such ample leaves, and so stately an 
aspect, that it is a favorite in sub tropical planting. A single 
young and vigorous specimen as a center to a bed of lower grow- 
ing plants, produces a fine effect. The vigorous stems have a 
pith which is an inch and a half in diameter, and of a snowy 
whiteness. After the woody exterior is removed, the Chinese 
cut the pith into sheets by paring with a sharp knife from the 
circumference towards the center, unrolling it as it Avere, and 
then flattening it out and pressing it under weights until dry, 
when it remains as a flat sheet." In that state it is imiwrted, 
some, however, comes in the stem, to be used in the manufacture 



COFFEE TREE AND FRUIT. 



187 



of artificial flowers. It is the material more geuerally known as 
Rice Paper, on which " beautiful paintings of flowers and insects 
brought from China were executed." 

It is quite hardy enough to be grown iu the oren air in many 
parts of Florida, 

COFFEE TREE AND FRUIT. 

The Coffee i)lant belongs to the 
order Cinchonacece. The name Cof- 
fee is supposed to be derived from 
Kafa, a district in Africa, south of 
Abyssinia, where it grows wild and 
in great profusion. It is widely ex- 
tended as a cultivated plant, and is 
found in the West Indies, Central 
America, South America, notably 
in Brazil, Guiana, Peru and Bolivia ; in Java, Ceylon, the 
Western Coast of India, Arabia, and several of the Pacific Is- 
lands. The range of its successful culture is from the 25th par- 
allel, or thereabout, of North, to the 30th of South latitude. It 
is produced at an altitude of 6,000 feet above the level of the 
sea, and thrives best where the temperature does not go much 
below 55° Far. 

The Coffee tree is propagated from the seed. The plants are 
kept in nurseries until one year old, when they are transi)lanted 
to the field and set out in rows of convenient distances. At three 
years old they begin to bear, but do not reach the maximum of 
production until the fifth year. 

The flowers are pure, snow w^hite, they come in thick clusters 
around the branches, and in contrast with the dark green pol- 




-^'i>^i«5i^V 



188 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

ightcl leaves present a most beautiful appearance. By pruning, 
the Coffee plant is somewhat dwarfed, restricted to a height of 
eight to twelve feet, sometimes though it reaches fifteen feet or 
more. The fruit resembles a cherry, of a red color when ripe, 
and^he flesh surrounding the two seed usually found — having 
their flat surfaces opposite — is said to he sweet and palatable. 
When for some cause one of the seed fails the other becomes 
entirely round. "As the fruit dries, the pulp forms a sort of 
shell or pod, which is removed by a process of curing in order 
to prepare the seed for market. In the West Indies the fruit is 
picked by hand at intervals during the season of harvest, but in 
Arabia, where no rains prevail which Avould beat it from the 
trees, it is allowed to remain until ready to fall, and is then 
shaken off upon cloths spread upon the ground." This is sup- 
posed to give to the famous Mocha Coffee, which is considered to 
be the very best, its chief excellence. 

Coffee sufficient at least for home use may be grown in the 
southern portion of our Peninsula, and for this purpose seed of 
the Mocha, which is small, and of a dark yellow color, should be 
procured from the Province of Yemen in Arabia, its home. As 
an ornamental evergreen, the Coffee tree would be an acquisition 
to any grounds. The natives of Africa prefer using the roasted 
leaves in lieu of the berry. 



TEAK. 

Tectona Grandis. 
This East Indian tree is remarkable in several particulars; 
and is worthy of a place, should its introduction be practicable, 
among our most useful timber trees. 



PALM. 18!) 

It is represented as one of the most magni'^cent of trees ; at- 
taining the great altitude of two hundred feet, grand and stately 
in its symmetrical proportions. 

The leaves are elliptical in shape, measuring from twelve to 
twenty-four inches in length, and so rough as to be a fair substi- 
tute for emery, in polishing wood. 

The flowers are " small, white, and fragrant," they appear in 
terminal panicles, having the structure of the family verbenacece, 
to which the Teak belongs. 

For ship building it is said to have no superior in the world, 
not even excepting our own highly-prized Live Oak. The wood 
is very hard, and consequently heavy, and of unequalled strength 
and durability ; instances of its having been in use for a century 
without decay are recorded. The tools employed in working it 
soon become dull from the large amount of silex it contains- 
The wood is of a brownish color, permeated by an oil which 
even in a green state prevents the iron nails or bolts from rusting, 
thus dispensing with the necessity of using the more costly copper 
nail>. A cubi^ f)ot of the wood waighs from f^rty-two to fift}'- 
two pounds. 



PALM. 

Palma. 



Of all the trees or shrubs capable of production in this invit- 
ing land of health and beauty, the Palmacecc, or Palm family 
stand pre-eminent, both for ornament and utility ; for general use- 
fulness they are ranked next to the grasses. 

There are, it is said, nearly one thousand species of Palms 



190 



GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 



belonging to fifty genera, and these are grouped into five well 
marked tribes, or sub-families, according to their affinities. 

Under the name Palmetto are four S2)ecies of Palm indigen- 
ous to two or three Southern States. The tall or Cabbage 
Palmetto, Sabal Palmetto, is the largest species, attaining 
in this State, as is well known, to the height of sixty to eighty 




CABBAGE PAL3I. 




PALMETTO. 



feet, and a diameter of twelve to fifteen inches. The terminal 
bud furnishes the vegetable which gives the species the name 
Cabbage. Boiling for three or four hours, changing the water 
;several times, and then fried in butter with crumbs of bread, it 
is a very palatable dish, yet the sacrifice of so noble a tree for a 
savory dish can scarcely be justified, unless demanded by neces- 



PALM. 191 

sity, or when tlie tree is required to yield its place to something 
better. 

The second species is the Saw Palmetto, Sahal Serridata, 
"*' 60 called on account of the sharp spiny teeth along the edges of 
the petiole, having a creeping stem (usually called the root, but 
really the trunk) from four to ten feet long, from which arise 
leaves two to four feet high." 

The third species is the Dwarf Palmetto, Sabal Andersonii, 
"has its short stem wholly underground, and leaves two to three 
feet high." 

And there is the Blue Palmetto, Chamwrops hystrlx. " This 
has a creeping stem with somewhat glancous leaves, three to four 
feet high ; at the bases of the leaves are numerous erect strono- 
sjiines, like porcupine quills, which serve to distinguish it from 
the other Palmettos. It prefers a richer soil than the preceding 
and is often found in moist shady woods, and on the margin of 
swamps." 

Besides these species, common to every section of the State — 
though the Cabbage is confined to the coast region in the 
northern and western counties — is another, found only in the ex- 
treme south, and called Royal Palm. Never plentiful, it has 
been so much sought after for making walking canes, etc., that 
but few are left. This Palm, from even an unsatisfactory view 
of a single specimen as it towered aloft in its native swampy fast- 
ness, near the shores of Biscayne Bay, surpassed in majestic 
beauty anything of the kind I had ever seen. The exterior of 
the trunk of this endogen is similar to the Cabbage or Cocoanut 
Palm, and the length of the leaves is about the same as the latter, 
5even to ten feet or more, but in the Royal Palm from the center 



192 



GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 



rib, the leaf is split into ribbons as if with a foi'k, ami the long? 
silvery-green fringe, waving gracefully to the gentlest breeze, 
presents a scene of rare loveliness. 

The Sago Palm as seen in green-house collections — or in this 
State in flower gardens — Cycas rcvohda — although possessing 
considerable starch, does not produce the sago of commerce. 

There are two distinct species of the true Sago Palm — Sagus 
laevis, the Smooth, and Sagus Rumphii, the Prickly ; both natives 
of the Indian Archipelago. "The smooth species grows from 
twenty-five to fifty feet high, while the other, which differs 
mainly in having its leaf-stalks and the spathe or sheath to the 
flower cluster armed with sharp prickles, is rarely over thirty 
feet. Both have graceful crowns of large pinnate leaves, and a 
one-seeded fruit an inch and a half in diameter, covered with 
shining reversed scales. Left to themselves the trees attain their 
full growth in fifteen years, flower, produce their fruit, which i& 
about three years in coming to perfection, and then die." 

•' The Betel Nut 
Vw.^i,' Areca Catechu, 
also known as Areca 
'^'' Nut, and Catechu Palm, 
and called Plnavg by 
Mthe Malays, is a large 
tree growing tn India, 
C-eylon, and the ^loluc- 
FRuiT AND NUT OF BETEL PALM. cas. It luis vcry fra- 

grant flowers which are used in Borneo for decorating, and a 
drupe-like nut about the size of a hen's egg, with a fibrous rind 
half an inch thick ; the seed is about the size of a nutmeg, which 




PALM. 



19S 






it also resembles iu the mottled appearance of its albumen. The 
nuts are very astringent ; by boiling in water and evaporating 
the decoction, a form of catechu is obtained." 

i The species Areca luteseens 

is a pretty specimen of the 
Areca family, adapted to pot 
culture. From the early de- 
cay of the primary roots, and 
the compact mass of second- 
ary, the plant seems to be 
supported by props. 

"Several species of the 







^^^^''X^s^X'^?^ South American genus ceno- 

m 



^^^^^^^t carpus have fruits with an 
&\. , 3 ^'>]f t^Jli r ^ ^- ly flggi^^ ^^^ t j^e (^il obtained 

from them is used for cooking 
and for lamps. It is said to 
be mixed with olive oil in 
Para as an adulteration. The 
stiff nerves of the leaves of 
these Palms furnish the In- 
dians with arrows for their blow guns, which are made by bor- 
ing the leaf stalks of other Palms of this tribe. 

The Toddy Palm, Caryota urens, a native of India, derives 
its name from the wine and sugar made from the flower spikes. 
The tree is said to be large and very beautiful ; from the leaves 
is obtained a fibre of great strength, called kittul, out of which 
mats and ropes are made. The trunk also yields sago. 

" The species of this genus are favorites in cultivation, as this 
13 



194 



GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 




is oue of the few with bi-pinnate 
leaves. When the tree has com- 
pleted its growth the flowers are 
produced in drooping tassels ; a 
flower cluster is produced at the 
base of the uppermost leaf, then 
one appears at the next lower 
leaf, and so on, until the lower- 
most leaf has produced a cluster 
from its base, when the plant 
dies." 

" The Wax Palm of Colombia, 
Ceroxylon Andicola, is a lofty 
tree growing in elevated regions. 
TODDY PALM. It Is rcmarkablc for its swollen 

trunk, which is larger in the middle than it is above or below, 
and is covered with a whitish wax-like substance, which is col- 
lected by felling the tree, and scraping. The product of each 
tree is about twenty-five pounds. It consists of a resin and a wax, 
and though too inflammable to be used by itself, it makes gooti 
candles when mixed with tallow." 

Of the smallest Palms is the Calamus tribe, Calamew, con- 
sisting of " Sarmentos, or runner-like plants, and some trees ; the 
pinnate or fan-like leaves are often terminated by a long appen- 
dage which is furnished with hooks." * * 

" They are known as Rattan and Cane Palms, the stems of 
several being found in commerce under these names. Some are 
low bushes, while others, with stems seldom over an inch thick, 
climb to a great distance over trees to which they cling by means 



PALM. 



195 




of the hooked spines upon their leaf stalks. 
* ^^ Rumphin's statement that they grow 
from 1,200 to 1,800 feet long has not been 
verified, though it is not rare to find them 
300 feet long." 

The strength of the stems of these Palms 

is said to be remarkable, which quality, 

combined with their great length, renders 

them useful for ropes for catching elephants, 

%^ cables for vessels, etc. " In the Himalayas, 

the stems are used for building suspension 

^^^-^ bridges." 

p- The flowers are " rose-colored, or green- 

RATTAN FALM. ig}j^ ^nd ' comc III loug, branching spikes. 

The fruit consists of a single seed, surrounded by an edible pulp, 

which is enclosed by a covering of slimy scales." 

" The Rattans of commerce are aftbrded by Calamus rotang, 
Calamus verus, Calamus rudentum and others, they are cut 
twelve or sixteen feet in length, once doubled and made into 
bundles of one hundred each ; immense numbers of these canes 
are imported into Europe and America, and as new uses are con- 
stantly found for them, the consumption rapidly increases ; the 
ease with which they are split, and the strength of very small 
splints, adapts them to a great variety of wares." 

They are used in making articles of furniture, settees, sofas, 
lounges, chairs, in bottoming chairs ; carriage and buggy bodies 
are also constructed of Rattan. Malacca canes, so highly es- 
teemed for walking sticks, are the stems of Calamus Scifionum ; 
the joints are so far apart that a good cane may be made from a 



196 



GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 



single internode. The rich reddish brown color is due to their 
being smoked and varnished with the bark on. 

Calamus Draco, a species which some botanists place in the 
genus dceinonorops, is said to furnish a portion of the resinous 
drug known as dragon's blood. " The remaining genus of this 
group, valuable for its products, is Mauritia, the Moriche or 
Ita Palm of tropical South America. 31. flexuoso, especially 
abundant on the Amazon and other rivers, supplies nearly all 
the wants of the natives ; during the great inundations they 
even suspend their dwellings from the trunks, the skin of the 
young leaves is spun into cords for making hammocks, the trunk 
supplies sugar in abundance, and both the sap and the fruit are 
converted into beverages. 

^Another family of the 
Palms is the Borassine.^, 
" The principal genus consists 
of only two species, one of 
which, borossus flahelliformis, 
is the magnificent Palmyra 
Palm, found throughout 
tropical Asia, and celebrated 
for the great number of its 
useful products. Its trunk, 
from sixty to eighty and even 
one hundred feet high, bears 
a magnificent crown of leaves 
of a circular fan shape, which, 
including the petiole, are ten 
feet long ; these are used to thatch houses, to cover floors and 




PALMYRA PAIiM. 



PALM. 



197 



ceilings, and to form a great number of useful articles, from 
bags and baskets to umbrellas and hats. They also serve as 
paper, which is written upon with a style. All the important 
books in Cingalese are written upon the laminae of this Palm. 

" The fruits, about the size of a child's head, are in bunches of 
fifteen to tAventy, each containing three seeds of the size of a 
goose's egg, the albumen of these is eaten when young ; the coat- 
ing surrounding the seeds is a thick fibrous jDulp, which is roasted 
and eaten. 

" The most important prod nets of this Palm are wine and sugar, 
(toddy), which are also yielded by many other species, and in 
other countries. 

BoRAssus Aethiopium, of the central part of tropical Africa 
is the remaining species of this family of Palms, and furnishes 
similar products to the Asiatic species. 

Perhaps the most re- 
markable of Palms is 
the DouM, of Egypt, 
which also grows in 
Arabia and Abyssinia, 
Hyphoene Thebaica, or 
Criicifera, its peculiar- 
ities consists in its hav- 
ing branches, with a 
trunk not exceeding 
thirty feet high. " It is 



simple when young, but 
Dou>r PALM. iu old trees is forked 




198 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

three or four times, each branch being terminated by a tuft of 
large fan-shaped leaves. 

"The fruit is produced in large clusters of over one hunlred, 
each the size of an orange, irregular in shape, with a highly pol- 
ished yellowish-brown rind, enclosing a single horny seed. The 
rind, which is dry, fibrous and mealy, is said to taste exactly 
like gingerbread, and though unpalatable from its dryness, forms 
a common article of food among the Arabs." 

There is a Palm growing on two of the Seychelles Islands, 
Praslin and Curieuse, north of Madagascar, which was named 
by La Billiardiere Lodoicea Schellarum, with a curious 
history. 

" The Double or Sea Cocoanut, Coco de Mer, was long a 
great puzzle to naturalists. Its large, deeply-lobed nuts, appear- 
ing like two Cocoanuts joined for about half their length, were 
occasionally picked up at sea, and their origin being unknown, 
they were in olden times invested with remarkable virtues. The 
albumen or meat of the nut was regarded as a preventive of var- 
ious diseases, and the shell, used as a drinking cup, imparted 
similar power to the liquid it contained ; enormous prices were 
paid for single specimens, and they were regarded as among the 
most costly of regal gifts. With the exploration of the Sey- 
chelles Islands, how^ever, in 17-43, the source of this wonderful 
miracle of nature, the most rare of marine productions, was 
ascertained." 

The tree is dioecious, of slow^ growth, attaining ultimately the 
height of one hundred feet. The fruit is of immense size, weigh- 
ing as much as forty pounds each, but the shell is the only part 
about it of value. The most delicate baskets and other fancy 



PALM. 199^ 

articles are made from the leaves. This tree might be grown by 
a corporation as a curiosity, but would hardly pay an individual, 
as the tree does not blossom until thirty years old, and requires 
ten years to mature its fruit. There seems to be serious appre- 
hension of its becoming extinct by the wasteful felling of trees to 
obtain the nuts as well as the terminal buds or cabbages. 

Similar to our Royal Palm is " the Bossu of the natives of the 
Southern Amazon, which is Manicrxria Saccharifera, the only 
species of the genus, and grows in the tidal swamps. This is dis- 
tinguished from other palms by its entire leaves, only occasionally 
divided when old by splitting ; they are frequently thirty feet 
long, four or five feet wide, and strongly furrowed from the mid- 
rib to the margin. The spathes of this Palm are fibrous, and 
when cut around at the base of the fl ,wer clusters, they may be 
pulled off entire. The spathe is dark brown, and its very strong 
fibres are so interwoven that it may be stretched to several times 
its proper diameter without tearing, and forms a very serviceable 
seamless bag, or if cut ofi' it may be used as coarse cloth." 

" The tribe Coryphine.t:, consists of trees or stemless plants, 
with fan-shaped, rarely pinnate leaves, the pinnules with erect 
margins. * '^ The genus Coryp/ia includes several stately 
species, one of the best known being the Talipot Palm, Corypha 
iimbraculijera, of Ceylon, and other parts of the East. Its 
magnificent leaves are remarkable for their regular plaiting, and 
form a fan, which is nearly a complete circle, four feet or more 
in diameter. The numerous segments are split and form a double 
fringe to the margin. These leaves require little preparation to 
make the fans used by the Cingalese, as emblems of rank. They 
are put to many other of the uses of Palm leaves, including the 



200 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

making of paper. The trunk also yields Sago. 

" The TuRA Palm, of Bengal, C. taliera, and the Gebang 
Palm, of Java, C. gebanga, are both useful in various ways. 

The AVax Palm, Coperiucia cerifera, of Brazil, hears upon its 
young leaves a coating of wax ; this is collected by shaking the 
leaves, melted, and run into moulds. It is harder than bees- 
wax ; but no method of depriving it of its yellow color having 
been discovered, its use in candle-making is limited. A kind of 
cane was known in commerce as Penang lawyers, a long time be- 
fore its origin was ascertained ; it is now known to be the stem of 

a small Palm of this group, Ucuala acut'fida, of the Island of 

« 

Penang ; the stem is seldom much more than five feet high, and 
has a diameter of an inch. The canes are prepared for walking 
sticks by scraping the surface and polishing. The genus Cham- 
(ETops is noted as being the northernmost of the Palm family, 
one species, C. hiimilis, grows wild in Southern Europe as far as 
Nice; another, C. excelsa, is found in Asia as high as latitude 
44° N. The most important of this tribe is the Date Palm, 
phoenix dadylifera. 

"The fifth tribe CocoiNEiE, includes both large and small 
trees. * ^ This tribe takes its name from its most important 
genus, Cocos, of which there are about a dozen species including 
C nucifera, the Oocoanut Palm. The Peach Palt\i, Guiliel- 
ma Speciosa, a native of Venezuela, and cultivated in other parts 
of South America, is a lofty tree, and its stem is armed with 
small sharp spines. Its fruit, borne in large clusters, is about 
the size of an Apricot, pear-shaped, and scarlet and orange col- 
ored when ripe. The outer portion abounds in starchy matter 
and when roasted is said to taste much like the potato." It 



PALM. 



201 



furnishes both food and drink to the natives, for an alcoholic 
beverage is made by fermenting the fruit steeped in water. 

" The trees of the genus MaxlmUiana forms a striking feature 
in South American scenery. The Inaja Palm of the Amazon, 
MaxlmUiana regia, reaches over one hundred feet, and has a 
crown of immense leaves, wdiich are thirty to fifty feet long. 
The spathes are five to six feet long, about two feet broad, and 
tapering at each end to a narrow point. They are used as pack- 
ages in Avhich to keep and transport flour, and will resist the 
action of heat sufficiently to serve as cooking utensils." 



.■# 









"^wSWi^ 



^r^r"^^' 



^^^r^ 

'"^^^^x- 




COQUITA PALM. 



" The CoQuiTA Palm 
of Chili, Jubcea speeta- 
bilis, is one of the most 
southern species, and 
furnishes the Palm 
honey, so much used by 
Chilians. This is ob- 
tained by felling the 
tree, removing the 
crown, and catching the 
sap which runs from the 
wound. The flow is 
kept up by removing a 
thin slice of the end 
each day, and it contin- 
ues for several months, 
each trunk yielding 
about ninety gallons. 



202 



GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 



The sap is boiled down to the coiisisteucy of molasses, and used 
as a substitute for sugar. 

" The small nuts of this free are edible, and are a consider- 
able article of export. They are deprived of their husks in a 
singular manner. Cows and oxen which are very fond of the 
green husks, are allowed to feed upon the nuts ; they only 
masticate the husks and swallow the nuts whole, when afterw^ards 
they chew the cud, they reject the nuts, and when the animals 
have finished ruminating, these are found deposited in small 
heaps perfectly free from the husk." 

" The PiAssATA, of Brazil, Atta- 
'lea Junij'era, furnishes a strong and 
1 valuable fibre in the decayed 
bases of the leaf-stalks. It is also 
called Monkey Grass, and Para 
Grass, and is used for various pur- 
poses. Each fibre is the size of a 
small quill, smooth and stiff; con- 
siderable quantities are sent to 
England, where it is made into 
coarse brooms ; the brushes of street 
cleaning machines are made of it. 
The fruit of this is different from that 
in any of the allied genera ; it being 
three-celled and three-seeded. The 
nuts are an article of commerce and 
known as Coquilla nuts. They are about three inches long, of a 
rich brown color, and have an extremely hard and bony tex- 
ture. They are used for knobs and other small wares similar 




PIASSATA PALM, 



PALM. 



203 



to those made from Vegetable Ivory. 

One of the most important products of this family is Palm 
Oil, which is obtained from the fruit of El^eis Guineensis of 
AYestern Africa, where it grows in immense numbers. 



\A'/..v\^^(/.^yV/r^/^ 




//. 







OIL PALM (EL.EIS GUINKESIS). HARDY PALM (CHAMAEROPS EXCELSA) 

" Two species of Chamaerops are hardy in France and in por- 
tions of England. Those, 0. Excelsa, from Nepaul, and 0. For- 
tunci of North China, also called Chusan Palm, are of great 
value in sub-tropical gardening, as their large fan-shaped foliage 
is unlike that of any other plants. These withstand a cold con- 
siderably below 32° F., and would be quite hardy in Virginia 
aifd Southward." And in Florida, not only the last mentioned 
would find congenial homes, but very many, in fact all, with per- 
haps one or two exceptions, of those described in this article, 



204 



GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 



might be successfully and profitably grown in our beautiful 
State. Let us begin at once to import the seeds. 

So highly is this tree of magnificent foliage prized for decor- 
ating buildings and ornamenting pleasure grounds by those who 
can afford it, that immense sums of money have been expended 
for suitable places in which to grow it. There is a building at 
Kew, England, made of glass, for this purpose, which is three 
hundred and sixty-two feet long, one hundred wide, and about 
seventy feet high, surpassing, it is believed, any structure of the 
kind in the world . 

The material for the foregoiu g article on Palms was obtained 
chiefly from that standard work, American Cyclopaedia, the 
greater part of which is quoted directly, without any change or 
modification whatever. It will be found interesting to all, es- 
pecially to those without ready access to the original. 




GUAVA. 

Psidium Guaiva . 

This sub-tropical plant, a native of 
South America, is more or less culti- 
vated in most of the Peninsula coun- 
ties of Florida. In tropical countries, 
and even in the extreme southern 
counties, it is, or may be trained into a 
tree fifteen to twenty feet high, of eX' 
ceeding beauty. Its dark shining 
foliage, pendulous branches, numer- 
ous white flowers, contrasted with the 
bright yellow of the fruit ; together 



fiUAVA. 205 

with the smooth, close bark of the trunk, like the Crape Myrtle, 
makes the Guava an attractive ornament to any grounds, 
Where liable to injury from frosts, the Guava is cultivated in 
bush form ; numerous stems spring up from the same root. 

The flovyers are solitary, or three together in the axils of the 
upper leaves; white, and quite fragrant. 

The fruit, of various shapes and sizes, begins to mature in 
warm latitudes early in June, and the flowering, fruiting and 
maturing continue without interruption until December. AVliere 
frosts sometimes kill down the bushes, the bearing time is delayed 
to July, and even August. 

Fruit has been gathered the last of August, by the Author, 
from the new growth of a root, whose stems had been killed down 
to the ground by the cold of the previous winter, whence it is in- 
ferred, that under proper treatment a small crop may be obtained, 
though the bush is killed every year, or every two or three years. 
Such a result has been secured in southern Texas. Complete 
protection must be afforded for several years, in places where 
the plant is liable to be killed, until the roots have thoroughly 
established themselves. The soil, if practicable, should be alluv- 
ial, oily, and moist from fertility, and the plants copiously 
watered in dry weather. 

The Guava is usually propagated from seeds, which is readily 
done, and the plant will bear fruit in two years. It is safer, 
however, to propagate by cuttings, or better still, by layers where 
it can be done conveniently. 

Strangers to this fruit turn away from it in disgust at first, but 
it is surprising how kindly and voraciously even they take to it 
after a little perseverence, especially when reduced to the ex- 



206 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

tremity of Guava or ?io/rwi^. A relish for it is thus formed, 
which is exceeded by that for no other fruit. Even those accus- 
tomed to the most luscious peaches, have, after acquiring a taste 
for Guavas, unhesitatingly given the preference to Guavas and 
milk, over that rarely equalled dish, " fresh milk and peaches." 
And since peaches do not succeed well south of about 29° 30', 
this popular substitute should receive the consideration it so 
deservedly merits. 

The seeds are hard, small, angular, very abundant and distrib- 
uted all through the pulp, after the manner of figs. They seem 
to be greatly in the way in the first efforts of Guava eating, but 
the annoyance as such, soon ceases. 

The principal cultivated varieties are called miliforyne, apple- 
shaped, smd 2^yrifo7'mc, pear-shaped, from the form of the fruit. 

Cattley's, Psidiim Cattleyanum, though imported from China, 
was doubtless carried there from South America. This is a 
purple or claret colored Guava, and appears to be more highly 
esteemed in India than any other. It is claimed to be much 
more hardy than any other, which should strongly commend it 
to growers in the northern districts of our State. This kind, 
although smaller than the common Guava, is remarkably fruitful. 
It also contains more acid, and on that account would probably 
be better adapted for making jelly. Says an Eastern cultivator, 
*' It is perhaps the most perfect and graceful evergreen that an 
amateur of plants ought to desire, or even can possess." 

Straavberry : About as large as a medium sized peach, of 
pale yellow color, whose soft pulp possesses the delicious fra- 
grance and flavor of the Strawberry. A very choice kind. 

Guinea Guava: P. Guinense: Kepresented to be of about 



JAPAN PERSIMMON. 



207 



the size of the preceding, and "of exquisite taste." 

Besides the jell}^ made from the Giiava, a popular sweetmeat 
wherever known, is Guava marmalade, of which most every one 
is fond. For fruit rolls, or old-fashioned dumplings, it is not 
•excelled by any other fruit. 



JAPAN PERSIMMON, or DATE PLUM. 

Diospyros kaki. 




The opinion entertained by some persons that this is a tropical 
plant is entirely unfounded, since its successful culture in the 
•" cotton growing belt of the Southern States," is claimed to have 
been abundantly tested, and well established. 

It is said to have been carried from Japan to California by a 
United State naval officer, some ten or fifteen years ago, but its 



208 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

introduction to the fruit growers and nurserymen of this State is 
of a much more recent date. 

Firminger, under the name Date Plum, speaks of it as a 
native of China, where the tree, of large proportions, bears 
abundant crops " in the neighborhood of Calcutta." He describes 
the fruit, which ripens during the month of August, as " about 
the size of a large Apple, with twin almond-like stones in the 
center." 

The genus to which this species of hardwood belongs, includes 
also the East Indian ebony, D. ebenaster ; Ceylon ebony, D. 
ebenum ; and a beautiful cabinet wood of Ceylon, D. gmesita. 

There is no question of the rapidly increasing popularity of 
the Japan Persimmon, as its many good qualities become better 
known. In Japan, where it is held in high esteem, both dried and 
fresh, there are said to be as many varieties as of the Apple in 
this country, and quite as susceptible of improvement by intelli- 
gent cultivation. 

The dried fruit, put up after the manner of the Smyrna Fig, 
is pronounced far superior in flavor, and it is not improbable 
that, prepared in this way, it will become an important ex^iort 
from Florida. 

The general appearance of the fruit is similar to that of a 
large smooth Tomato. In color it is a bright red, or delicate 
crimson, and of various sizes and shapes. Like its American 
kinsman, it is quite astringent in its premature state, and its 
flavor is also said to be improved by exposure to a light frost. 
This however cannot be permitted when it is designed to keep 
them fresh for any length of time, since the frost will induce 
early decay. 



JAPAN PERSIMMON. 209 

The productiveness of this fruit tree is no less remarkable than 
the early age at which it begins to beai-. The statement of its 
not being uncommon " to see a one year v>ld tree planted in the 
spring, producing a crop of from twenty to fifty Persimmons the 
following year," would scarcely be credited if made by a less 
careful cultivator than P. J. Berckmans, of Augusta, Ga., to 
whom Florida is much indebted for fruit favors. 

The only reliable method of propagation is by grafting and 
budding on to the native Persimmon, which are grown in nur- 
series from the seed for the purpose. The eff(jrts of those who 
have attempted to propagate from seed have generally resulted 
m vexation and disappointment. In the first place, it is difficult 
to procure seed of the better varieties, because they are mostly 
seedless, and where that objection has been overcome, the flowers 
in most instances were sterile. So that grafting or budding will 
be found more economical, and much more satisfactory. 

Mr. Berckmans recommends, and describes the following var- 
ieties as probably the best, two of which are known by several 
names. 

Among: round, nearly globular, orange red, two and a half 
inches in diameter, exceedingly prolific, keeps late. 

Hackeya ; also called Tomato, Imperial, etc., usually oblong? 
though globular specimens are quite numerous; two and a half 
to three and a half inches in diameter; orange red, good quality 
and keeps late. 

Hyahume, called also Pound, Seedless, Tanenashi, Mimokaki, 

etc., very large, nearly globular, deep orange red, three inches in 

diameter, and nearly always seedless ; keeps late. 

KuROKUMo; round, somewhat flattened and ribbed, of a 
14 



210 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

bri^lit Vermillion color and averages three inches in diameter. 

Z[XGi : the smallest of the list, nearly globular, averages two 
incht-s; pulp quite dark, very sweet and rich, best quality ; very 
piod 'ctive and matures during October. 



KUMQUAT—OTAHEITE ORANGE. 

Citrus Japonica. 

This popular little tree, bearing miniature Oranges is a native 
of China, but has been successfully grown in this State as a 
garden ornament. 

It is a profuse bearer, and its fruit, though not larger than a 
Damson Plum, is used by some persons for making preserves. 
It can be propagated by budding, grafting, layering, or by 
seeds. Mr. Fortune remarks, " in order to succeed with it as well 
as the Chinese do, one little fact should be kept in view, viz: that 
all the plants of the Orange tribe which bear fruit in a small 
state, are grafted." Which fact may be turned to good account 
in orchard cultivation, where trees are much more plentiful than 
suitable spots of land to grow them upon. Quicker moneyed 
returns may also be obtained by acting upon the above sug- 
gestion. 



LOQUAT. 

Eriohotrya Japonica. 

This tree, native of the far east, was some years ago introduced 
into Leon county, of this State, from New Orleans, under the 
name "Japan Plum." 



ORANGE. 211 

It has been tried iu many parts of the State with fair success. 
A small but very handsome tree having thick leathery lanceo- 
late leaves, whose upper surface is finely polished, and the lower 
with a brownish d(.wn. As an ornament alone to the garden or 
yard it is much prized. 

The flowers appear in upright bunches, of a creamy white 
color, and a most delightful fragrance. 

The fruit is in clusters almost as close as grapes, about as large 
as a good sized plum, with a thick skin of a dull roseate or pink- 
ish color. The pulp is fleshy like t^'e Plum, in the center of 
which is the stone or seed of varying size. 

. There are no distinct varieties given, yet there is very manifest 
differeace in the flavor as w'ell as the size of the fruit as grown in 
this State, and also in its native land. Some trees producing 
sweet agreeable fruit, while that from others is entirely too acid 
to be palatable. 

It is believed that the flavor can be greatly modified by culti- 
vation, especially by a copious supply of water, if the weather be 
dry, between the flowering and maturing periods, with an occa- 
sional application to the roots of good liquid manure. 

The LoQUAT comes readily from the seed, which should be 
planted very soon after they are taken from the fruit. It would 
be better to rely upon budding or grafting from known choice 
kinds. 



THE ORANGE. 

Citrus Aurantiiim. 
This is undoubtedly the great staple fruit of Florida. A native 



212 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

of Asia, it was introduced into Europe by the Portuguese in the 
fourteenth century. By some, the word " Citrus " is supposed 
to have been derived from " Citron," the name of a little town in 
Judea. Except in orangeries and conservatories, Orange culture 
in Europe has from climatic requirements been chiefly confined 
to the Latin races, and by them extended into all parts of the 
world favorable to its growth and development. The bitter and 
sour Orange trees growing wild in the rich hammock and bottom 
lands of east and south Florida, are known as the Seville 
Orange, the seeds of which were doubtless brought over by the 
early Spanish navigators. All the sweet varieties are believed 
to have sprung from this wild race, transformed by the wonderful 
effects of cultivation. In Italy, under the name " Cedrangulo," 
it is highly esteemed for grafting or budding the sweet varieties 
upon; preferred on account of its superior hardness. 

varieties. 

The varieties of the sweet Orange are quite numerous ; among 
which may be named Silver, Egg, White, Navel, Maltese^ 
Mandarin, Nonpareil, St. Michael's, etc., of foreign im- 
portation, and the unsurpassed South Florida, or Indian 
River Orange, the seeds of which most likelj^ came from Cuba. 

SOIL, SITUATION, ETC. 

The best soil is a deep, rich loam, sufl[iciently loose or porous to 
admit air as well as water to the roots, and the situation elevated 
enough to keep the roots out of stagnant water. Many erron- 
eously conclude, because the wild Orange sometimes inhabits 
wet places, that low situations are best adapted to it. In such 
localities, however, it rarely attains to the dignity of a tree, no 
matter how old, even when not liable to the objection of being 



ORANGE. 213 

over-crowded. The most thrifty wild groves are found in high 
hammocks and the more elevated bluffs of lakes and water- 
courses, where the soil abounds in vegetable matter, often inter- 
mixed with decomposing shells, or other forms of lime. 

PROPAGATION. 

This is effected by budding, and from seeds. Grafting is sel- 
dom practiced, as budding is simpler and generally successful- 
There is a sort of compound of the two, called "side-grafting," 
or " bud-grafting," much in use. It consists in making a diag- 
onal incision across the stock or trunk — inserting an end of the 
scion, previously sharpened like a wedge, between the bark and 
the wood, and binding as in ordinary budding. 

The best time for budding is as early in Spring as practicable, 
while the sap is freely circulating and the tree in a thriving con- 
dition. This gives a long growing season to the new bud, and 
enables it to withstand the cold of the succeeding winter better 
than the tender, succulent shoots of midsummer or autumn. 

It requires seven to eight years after the seed is deposited in 
the ground before the appearance of fruit. This for the general 
rule ; of course there are exceptions. The soil for a seed bed 
should be very rich, and the seeds sown in drills eighteen inches 
apart as thick as English Peas. A brush arbor to protect the 
young plants from the noonday sun, after warm weather sets in, 
will be of advantage. AVhen one year old, transplant into the 
nursery in rows three to four by two to two and a half feet, res- 
pectively. 

Sweet seedling stocks have been more extensively used of late 
years for budding upon than sour ; and the superior hardness 



214 GARDKMXfi IN FT.OKIDA. 

cL.iuud for the 'atter is staitly cl nitd hy orange growers of 1 ng* 
experience and intelligence. 

A i'oiir or five }ear old stock may le made to bear in two years 
by using buds from a healti.y, full bearing tree. This has the 
effect of dwarfing the trees, anrl consequently tlu y may be placed 
much nearer together in the grove. Some have adopted this 
plan for getting early returns — planting over one hundred tret s 
to the acre. 

AXALY.siS OF THE ORAXGE. 

Roof. Stew. Leaves. Fruit. SeecL 

Potassa 15 43 11. 09 1H.51 36.42 40.28 

.Soda ■. 4.52 3 07 1.68 11.42 0.92 

Lime 49.89 55.13 56.38 24.52 18.97 

Magne.sia 6.91 6.34 5.72 8.06 8.74 

Sesquioxide of Iron 1.02 0.57 0.52 0.46 0.80 

Sulphuric Acid 5.78 4 ('4 4.43 3.74 5.10 

Silicic Acid 1,75 1.22 4.83 0.44 1.13 

Phosphoric Acid 13.47 17.09 3.27 11 07 23.24 

Chloride of Sodium 1.18 0.25 6 66 3.87 82 

From which it appears that ground bones — to furnish phos- 
phoric acid and lime, and wood ashes tlie potassa — are tine prin- 
cipal mineral constituents required by the Orange. Excellent^ 
results are obtained from the droppings of cnttle, or cov-pennhig, 
as better known in the stock district^;. Muck, composted with 
stable manure, cotton seed and gypsum, makes a valuable fertil- 
izer. There are also special manures manufactured by dealers^ 
which answer a good ])urpo3e. Almost every ene has a favorite 
fertilizer. Ours, ibr this and fruit trees generally, is ground 
bones liberally broadcast and plowed in the beginning of spring, 
with at least one good crop of pea vines turned under the latter 
part of summer. 



ORANC4E. 215^ 

SETTING OUT. 

After ii thorough preparation of the soil by grubbing, plowing, 
manuring, etc., the ground is staked off in rectantrular or dijigonal 
rows thirty feet each way. The dimensions of the holes .'hould 
be regulated by the size of the trees to be planted, care being 
taken to provide ample room for the roots, and not to sf t the 
tree deeper in the ground than it originally stood. 

Formerly the " rainy season " was considered the only ti;iie il»r 
traus})lanting Orange trees with safety, but intelligent ob>( t va- 
tion, supported by numerous successful experiments, has ii| set 
this theory. The Orange tree possesses so much vitality ihia it 
may be removed short distances, with judicious managemt nt, at 
any time. But the winter season, after the descent of the .^a;*, is 
the most propitious, especially when large trees are to be handled, 
and the transportation considerable. Cojiious watering, during 
the process, and heavy mulching afterward, should n^^t be 
neglected, more ])articularly if the warai season is selects- ! fjr 
the operation. 

CULTURE. 

Much diversity of opinion prevails as to the best manner of 
cultivating a grove, both before and after it comes into be.. ring. 
The main object is, or should be, to keep the ground mellow and 
open, not only to supply the roots with air and moisture, i)Ut to 
encourage them in roaming about in quest of food. It i.s bad 
policy to expose the naked ground to the scorching rays of the 
sun during the long hot summer. It sh«yuld be shaded by some 
covering. Field peas are admirable for the purpose ; but even 
grass and weeds, except immediately around the trees, would 



216 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

prove far less detrimental than the burning effects of the sun on 
the denuded surface. 

One or two plowings in the sj^rino- when fertilizers are applied, 
and again in the fall, to turn under the green crop of pea vines or 
grass, will, with the use of the hoe to clean immediately around 
the trees, give abundant cultivation. 

TIME OF BEARING, ETC. 

In a budded grove, where the buds are taken from bearing 
trees, and the stocks four to five years old, fruit may be expected 
in two years. A grove of seedlings, the trees of which were four 
years old when transplanted, will begin to bear in about four 
years thereafter. The first crop ranges from a single Orange to 
thirty or forty per tree, increasing with more or less rapidity each 
succeeding year. 

Trees do not yield much revenue until ten ov twelve years old, 
nor reach their maximum of production under thirty years from 
the seed. In groves numbering from 500 to 1,000 trees, 1,000 
oranges per tree at fifteen years old would be an excellent 
average. 



LeCONTE PEAR. 

There is no fruit in Florida, the Orange alone excepted, that 
excites more interest at present than the LeConte Pear. And 
therefore, as one of the very valuable market products of this 
State, especially to the Northern, and elsewhere clay sub-soil dis- 
tricts, I deem it but just to devote a few words to its history and 
treat tiient. 

It was introduced into Liberty county, Georgia, in 1856, by 



LE CONTE PEAR. 



217 



Major John LeCoiite, who bought it of some Northern nursery- 
man for a seedling of the Chinese Sand Penr, which it was 




LE CONTE PEAR. 

labele*], and from which circumstance it is to this day incorrectly 
called the " LECo^TE, or Sand Peae," in many places, whereas 



ills GAEDEXrNG IN FLORIDA. 

it is totally distinct and different from the '' Sand Pear," which 
is of little or no value as a fruit. 

For a long tiine the good qualitit^s of this Pear were over- 
looked, from tlie tact of its coming into bearing about tlie break- 
ing out of the late civil war. The country is largely indebted to 
Captain Varnadoe, of Thomasville, Ga., for the development of 
the LeConte Pear ; and its history as a market product of 
great value is such as as to commend it to every one living 
within the favored region of its successful growth. 

It is a hybrid, and must, therefore, be propagated by cuttings 
or slips, by budding or gralting. The cuttings should be about 
one foot in length, and placed so deep in the soil as to leave lut 
but two buds. The rows may be twelve to tighteen inches Jipart 
and the cuttings three or four inches in the I'ow. AVhen one 
year old, they are transferred to the nurt-ery and planted about 
three by three feet, and left to gn)V/ am ther year before Hnal 
removal to the orchard ; or they may, if preferred, be renioved 
directly from the cutting beil to the orchard. In either case, the 
long switch stem should he cut off two to three feet fr^m the 
ground, divided into twe've-ineh ^lips, and planted out in tl:e 
cutting bed. 

The trees begin to hear in f lur or five yenrs from the rooting 
of the cuttings, but do not become remunerative until seven or 
eight years old. xVt ten years, it is said they attain a height of 
twenty-five feet, and a width of top of as muny feet, and bear ten 
to fifteen bushels. It is further stated that, at fifteen years old, 
the width 'd'top i-earhes thirty-five feet, so that it would be man- 
ifestly unwise to plant the trees in the orchard nearer tog< ther 
thau forty feet each way. 



LE CONTE PEAR. 21^? 

As to the fruit itself, it is very palatable, and has steadily ad- 
vanced in price in market from 852.25 to upwards of $5.00 j^er 
bushel crate. From the fact of its having a tough skin, it bears 
shipping admirably. 

While it is claimed that the LeConte Pear will flourish in 
sand as well as clay soils, there is little doubt that a subsoil of 
clay is to be preferred. 

The natural inclination of this tree is to grow too much like 
the Lombardy Poplar, hence the pruning must l,e to induce as 
much horizontal growth as possible. 

As a guide for fertilizing, the following analysis of the com- 
mon Pear is given : 

ANALYSIS. 

S(ip- 
wood. 

Potash 22.25 

Soda 1.84 

Chlorine 0.31 

Sulphuric Acid 0.50 

Phosphate of Limo 2722 

Phosphate Peroxide Iron 0.81 

Carbonic Acid 27. G9 

Lime 12.04 

Magnesia 3.00 

Silex 0.30 

Coal 0.17 

Organic Matter 4.03 

From which it appears that wood ashes, ground bcnes and 
vegetable matter should be freely used as fertilizers. 

Very satisfactory experiments have been made in grafting the 
Bartlett and other varieties of Pear upon the LeConte stock. 
Its habits of rapid, vigorous growth, render it peculiarly fitted 
for this purpose. 



Heari- 


Bark of 


IVOdd. 


Trunk. 


26.94 


6.20 


0.21 


1.70 


0.45 


1.80 


20.40 


6.50 


0.80 




25.48 


37.29 


13.14 


30.36 


2 93 


9.40 


0.30 


0.40 


12.00 


0.65 


5.00 


4.20 



2'^0 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

Should it turn out that the successful cultivation of the Le- 
-CoNTE Pear is to be restricted to the older sections of the State, 
thereby offsetting the more tender products of the Southern por- 
tion, it will be only another instance cf the equal and impartial 
distribution of her priceless gifts, by that friend of mankind — 
Dame Nature. 

Whether as a desert fruit, a sweetmeat, or evaporated for cul- 
inary purposes, this pear must rank high among the remunera- 
tive crops of Florida, and continue to advance in popular favor, 
until some formidable enemy springs up to remind us that neither 
Pear, nor Orange is exempt from the universal curse of Eden. 



STRAWBERRY. 

Fragaria. 

The universal popularity of this delicious berry is calling 
forth great effort in all places favorable to its production ; and 
the prominent place it already occupies among the profitable 
market garden products of Florida, will justify the insertion of a 
few hints respecting its culture in this treatise. 

Twenty-five years years ago, Charles A. Peabody, a noted hor- 
ticulturist of Columbus, Ga., was regarded as the prince of 
Strawberry growers in the South, and his truly wonderful 
success well entitled him to that distinction. Many new theories 
of culture have doubtless been put in practice since that period. 
If, however, the yield per acre, earliness, and length of the bear- 
ing season may be taken as the j^roper criteria by which to judge 
the value o-fa system of cultivation, there is none now in opera- 
tion superior to that Mr. Peabody pursued. It was briefly this : 



STRAWBERRY. 2 2 1 

Select a rich sandy loam — new land, and bordering on a stream 
of water if practicable. Break up the ground thoroughly with 
a plow, and lay off the rows two feet apart. Set out the plants 
two feet distant in the row, in the proportion of seven rows of 
pistillate to one of hermaphrodite. Suffer the runners to grow 
the first season, but never afterwards, except where new plants 
are desired. Go through the bed in the fall with the hoe thin- 
ning out the plants to eight or ten inches apart, at which distance 
they must be kept ever afterward. Leave the cut-up vines to 
decay on the ground. After this operation of thinning, cover 
the bed with partially decayed leaves from the forest, or sea- 
weed, or cut-up straw. The winter rains will beat down this 
covering, and the fruit germ make its way through on the ap- 
proach of the first mild weather of early spring. When the 
blossoms begin to appear, wood ashes may be used to great 
advantage. Should the weather be dry at this time, apply water^ 
not to benefit the vine, as the ground may indicate sufficient 
moisture, but to fix the fruit — to prevent the pollen from escap- 
ing without performing its functions of impregnation. 

Mr. Peabody ascribed his success in producing early and 
abundant crops, and in prolonging the bearing season to six, and 
even ten months, to a judicious use of water in dry weather* 
The water should be applied through the nose of a watering pot* 
or syringe — in the form of rain and never by flowing. 

Never use animal, or any heating manure such as cotton seed, 
without facilities for watering freely and continuously. Veget- 
able matter, as leaf mold, or virgin soil, will bo found far better. 
Mr. Peabody stated that his Strawberry beds, by his treat- 
ment, lasted twelve years. 



'222 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

E. P. Roe, of New York, mentions that his " oldest beds of 
the Sharpless did the best;" and that a bed of the Charles 
Downing, if given good care, will last five years. 

More than ten years before Peabody's day, the Strawberry 
was grown in Middle Florida, upon very much the same princi- 
ples, and with similar results. 

It should be borne in mind, that after the field or plat is once 
set with vines the distance they are to permanently grow, a 
ceaseless war should be waged against all runners, or else the 
.-supply of fruit will be much diminished. For propagation, 
remember that runners produce precisely like kinds, including 
sex, while seed do not. 

The sexual character of the Strawberry should be well un- 
derstood. There are three kinds, the staminate, or perfect male, 
the pistillate or perfect female, and the hermaphrodite, possess- 
ing both stamens and pistils. The hermaphrodite is generally 
employed as an impregnator for the pistillate or female, 
from the fact that while it answers the purpose as well as the 
staminate, it also bears fruit. The staminate bears little or no 
fruit. It makes quite a display of flowers, howerer, and they 
are larger than the other kinds. The pistillate is the most pro- 
ductive when placed sufficiently near either of the other kinds. 
Some cultivators use only the hermaphrodite. 

It is important that transplanting, or setting out, should be 
done as early in autumn as the weather will admit. Cool days 
and plenty of moisture are required. In this climate transplant- 
ing may be continued all through the winter months. 

VARIETIES. 

Without experimental acquaintance with varieties of very 



PRorA(4ATroN. 223 

recent date, I can only repeat what others say of them. Several 
are claimed to possess great excellence as to size, flavor, produc- 
tiveness and shipping qualities. 

The BiDWELL is represented to be be one of the very best in 
every respect. 

Hervey Davis. Another new and much praised variety. 
Of the standard varieties with which the general class of culti- 
vators are more familiar, may be mentioned Wilson's Albany, 

SlIARPLESS, JUCUNDA, HoVEY's SeEDLING, ETC. 



PROPAGATION 

BY 

Budding, Grafting, Layering, Inarching, Etc, 

There is no State in the Union, and probably no country in 
the world where the various methods of propagating j^lants and 
trees other than by seeds are more in request than they are in 
Florida. 

This is due to several reasons. One is the large variety of val- 
uable fruit and ornamental trees. Another is the necessity laid 
upon almost every fruit grower to become his own operator. 
And another may be found in the high order of intelligence 
which characterizes our fruit-growing population as a class. A 
large proportion of them having acquired the means of indulging 
those horticultural proclivities which as a rule possess the hearts 
of men, usually in the lengthening shadoiv period of life. They 



224 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

come among us ready to learn, and eager to apply upon their 
own grounds whatever Avill contribute to the useful, the novely 
and the beautiful ; and at the same time furnish them with 
active, out-door employment, both profitable and in every respect 
congenial. 

In the following; descriptions of the different modes of pro|)a- 
gation, 1 have followed the accounts given by C. W. Johnson^ 
Gouverneur Emerson, D'Albret, Loudon, Lindley, Firminger, 
American Cycloptedia and others — frequently using their lan- 
guage literally. 

BUDDING. 

While the same object is attained in budding as in grafting^ 
the former is generally preferred in most cases, for the following 
reasons : It is more expeditious. Stocks may be budded at an 
earlier age than they could be grafted ; several trials njay be 
made the same season, thereby multiplying the chances of suc- 
cess, and there is less injury inflicted by abortive efforts. Half 
grown children soon learn to bud with skill and success. 

That budding and grafting " can only be performed within 
certain physiological limits," is a well established fact ; but pre- 
cisely what these limits are is not positively and definitely deter- 
mined. " In general all the species of one genus may be grafted 
on another reciprocally, but this is not universally the case, for 
the Apple cannot be grafted on the Pear, at least not for any 
useful purpose." The graft soon perishes. 

Again, while it may be assumed that " all the species of a nat- 
ural order, or at least of a tribe, may be grafted on one another^ 
even this does not hold good universally. The reverse, however, 
of this doctrine viz : that the species belonging to different nat- 



BUDDING. 



225 



ural orders cannot be grafted one on another, holds almost uni- 
vefsally true ; and therefore a safe practical conclusion is that in 
choosing a stock, the nearer in affinity the species to which that 
stock belongs is to the sci' n ^^or bud), the more certain will be 
the success." 

" Budding consists in introducing the bud or eye of one plant 
with a portion of bark and wood adhering to it, beneath the bark 
of another plant b )tanically related. In order to effect this, a 
longitudinal incision is made through the bark of the stock 
dawn to the wood, and is then crossed at the upper end by a sim- 
ilar cut, so that the whole would resemble 
the letter T ; the bark is raised on each 
side' of the cut, by the ivory blade of the 
budding knife, or a substitute made out 
of bone or ivory, and the stock is ready. 
Taking the stick of buds in his left hand, 
the operator inserts his knife above the 
bud, bringing it (Ui below% so as to cut 
a\vay the bud, a portion of the bark, and 
a part of the wood." More particularly : 
Holding the cutting or scion in one 
hand, the thickest end outward, and with 
the knife in the other hand, enter it about half an inch or more 
below a bud, cutting nearly half-way into the w^ood of the shoot, 
continuing it with one clear slanting cut about half an inch or 
more above the bud, so deep as to take a part of the Avood along 
with it ; the w^hole being an inch and a half long — then placing 
the bud thus prepared between your lips to keep moist, use the 

ivory haft to raise the lips of the upper part of the slit, insert the 
15 




22 > GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

lower end of the bud and push gently down, being careful to see 
that the bud lies flat against the naked wood. The next opera- 
tion is to cut of the top part off the shield ( Fig b) even with the 
horizontal cut, in order to let it completely into its place, and to 
join exactly the upper edge of the shield with the transverse cut» 
that the descending sap may immediately enter the back of the 
shield, and protrude granulated matter between it and the wood, 
so as to effect a living union. 

The parts are no^v to be immediately bound round with a lig- 
ament of bass or other suitable material, previously soaked in 
water, to render pliable and tough, beginning a little belo^v the 
bottom of the perpendicular slit, proceeding upward closely 
around every part except the eye of the bud, and continue it a 
little above the horizontal cut, not too tight, but just sufticient to 
keep the whole close, and exclude the sun, air and wet." 

" In a fortnight at farthest, after budding, such as have ad- 
hered may be known by their fresh appearance at the eye ; and 
in three weeks all those which have succeeded well, will be firmly 
united with the stocks, and the parts being somewhat swelled in 
some species, the bandage must be loosened, and a week or two 
afterward finally removed." 

A bud is an organized plant in embryo, with roots, branches, 
and foliage, and, like a seed, possesses individual vitality, capable 
of development and the re-production of its species. The process 
of budding is the transferring this embryo plant from its parent 
tree to another tree which must at least be of the same genus if 
eg: of the same species. 

The Apricot and Nectarine may be and generally are budded 
upon the Peach ; the Plum and the Peach are budded upon each 



« 



BUDDING. 227 

other; and the Pear and Apple may be worked upon the wild 
€rab and Hawthorn. The Pear is put on to the Quince to pro- 
duce dwarf trees. To render the transfer or budding successful, 
three things are requisite, 

1. The bud must be in proper condition ; it should be matured, 
that is of full growth, and yet not so hard and firm as to cause 
injury in s. parating it from its parent. 

2. The stock must be in condition to receive and nourish it. 
It must peel freely, as this is necessary for the insertion of the 
bud, and indicates the presence of what is termed the Cambium ; 
which is the soft, partially formed woody matter underlying the 
bark, and which ripens into indurated wood. 

3. The operation must be skillfully performed. As the Cam- 
bium is the source of nourishment to the bud, and the bond of 
union between it and the stock, great care must be used to avoid 
injury specially to it, and also to the bark. Both stock and 
graft should be in a thrifty growing state, and for the Citrus 
tribe, the earlier in the Spring the better, always provided the 
essential conditions are complied with. A cloudy day is desir- 
able, but showery and intensely warm weather are unfavorable. 

In the South of France, Orange growers make the transverse 
slit at the bottom instead of the top of the perpendicular cut. 
By this method it is said the bud rarely fails to " take^'' because, 
it is alleged, it receives abundance of the descending sap, which 
it cannot receive when it is under the cross cut. 

Since the bud is to be nourished at first by the leaves above it 
on the stock, the best place to insert it is close beneath some leaf 
(in activity, it is not therefore the most open and smooth part of 
the stock which is to be selected, as commonly advised. 



22S GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

For the same reason it might appear injudicious to shorten the 
branches into which the bud is inserted, but if the shoot is not 
topped, the rising sap will be attracted to the youngest leaves 
and expened in their increase, while on the other hand, if the 
shoot is topped the sap will be forced laterally into the buds 
already forming on its si les, and the new bud will participate in 
this advantage. The better plan therefore would be to cut away 
only a part of the shoot into which a bud is introduced, until it 
gets under full headway of growth. When however the budding 
is deferred too late in the season, no cutting or heading in should 
be allowed before Spring, as the object should be to encourage a 
dormant, quiescent state for fear of injurious cold. 

A portion of the leaf, if small, or of the foot-stalk, if large, 
should be left. 

There is another mode of budding of ancient date but now 
obsolete. It is called flute-budding, and consists of peeling off a 
ring of bark from the stock just below a terminal bud, replacing 
it by a similar ring with a bud or two upon it taken from a scion, 
and then binding down. This is performed only in the Spring. 
It is said to be quite suceessful. 

Square Shield Budding is another mode and is thus de- 
scribed by D'Albret : " From a strong tree remove a square 
patch ; raise from a strong branch another piece of the same 
shape, but larger and furnished with an eye; fit this piece into 
the place of the first, and cover it with a piece of paper pierced 
with a hole for the eye, securing the whole by a ligature. This, 
is to be employed with trees of very thick bark and large eyes 
such as Walnut and Mulberry." And doubtless Pecans and 
other nuts. 



GRAFTING. 229 

European gardeners are particular to remove every pardcle of 
^wood from the bud, resorting t ) the use of a silk thread or fine 
wire to run under the bark, where difficulty is experienced in 
slipping it off with the thumb nail as commonly practiced. In 
our country, repeated experiments have led to the conclusion 
that the wood is not only not hurtful, but is of positive advan- 
tage in several respects. 

GRAFTING. 

Grafting, like Budding, is designed to form a union between 
plants and trees classed under the same natural order. It does 
tnot aim to effect this union by applying the inner surface of the 
bark of the scion to the outer surface of the wood of the stock, as 
in Budding, but it is done by bringing the Avood of the two in 
.contact, and joining their bark at the edges. 

" As a general rule, Grafting is most successful when the scions 
are quite dormant, but the forces of vegetation in the stock are 
.active. Fruit tree scions may be cut at any time after the fall 
of the leaf before the buds begin to swell, and kept in damp sand 
>or sawdust. 

Before beginning operaticms provide wax for spreading over 
the bandages (a paint brush is best for doing this) to keep out 
the weather. Several formulas are given for preparing grafting 
wax. The following is from an English horticultural journal : 

" Take twenty-seven ounces of common rosin, and when re- 
•duced by a slow heat to the consistency of a syrup, add ten 
.ounces of alcohol. Shake th(»roughly and pour the mixture 
into a well stopped vial. When the graft is inserted and tied in 
its place with a strand of matting, cover the surface of the whole 
with this mixture which is not affected by heat, cold or wet " 



280 



CiARDENING IN FLORIDA. 



Lindley gives two recipes. 

One is simply a mixture of equal parts of tallow and beeswax^ 
laid on while warm, with a paint brush. 

The other is much better. 

" Take four parts by weight of pitch, four of rosin, two of bees- 
wax, one of hog's lard, and one of turpentine, melted and well 
mixed. When this or so-ne similar composition is spread on 
brown paper, it forms grafting paper as it is sometimes termedy 
which being cut into slips can be easily applied." 

Some operators use a mixture of fresh cow^ manure and clay^ 
bringing it by thoroughly mixing with water to ab )ut the con- 
sistency of soft mortar. 

I make a wax somewhat similar to that 
produced from Lindley's second recipe^ 
Indeed the only difference is I do not use 
jntch. 

There are very many methods of Graft- 
ing, each with its special advocate. And 
where there is such a field fur operating 
as our State presents, we should be pre- 
pared to adopt the one best suited to the 
particular case in hand. 

Whip, or Toxgue Grafting is per- 
haps the most common kind, and is per- 
formed " by sloping one side of the stock 
— which should be about the same size as- 
the scion — with the knife, to a very acute 
angle. A scion, having two or more buds, 
is cut with a slope to correspond with that 




■ GRAFTING. 



231 



upon the stock ; then upon each slope or cut surface is cut a 
tongue; the scion and stock are locked together by nitans of 
these tongues in a manner that will be understood by an exami- 
nation of the etigraving. The barks (>f both being made to cor- 
respond, a piece of waxed cloth or waxed twine is wound rrund 
them to hold them in place. After the graft pushes its buds, 
the binding should be loosened and finally removed when the 
adhesion is completed. This method is used in root grafting, 
and may be practised also with flowering shrubs." 

Although more tedious than the preceding, Saddle Graft- 
ing is said to be far better. It is tiius described by Lindl'-^y : 
" Pare the stock obliquely on both sides, till it becomes an in- 
verted wedge, then slit the scion up the center, and pare its i^ides 
down until they fit the sidts of the stock. In t'ds 
method, the greatest possible quantity of celluljir sur- 
face is brought into contact, and the parts are n.utu- 
ally so adjusted that the ascending sap is freely re- 
ceived from the stock by the scion, while at the 
i/ \%} same time the descending sap can flow freely from 
'/cfYA the scion into the stock." 

To execute Saddle Grafting properly the t^cioii 

and stock should be of the same size, and where that 

t cannot be, a second method where the scion nirv be 

iiii . . . .' 

i much smaller than the stock is described by Khi^dit. 

I •' ^ 

f It is never attempted until the usual season of 'jraft- 
ing is past, and the bark is readily detached h-vi.i the 
alburnum. 

Cut the head of the stock oft' by a single stroke of 
the knife, obliquely, so that the incision commences 



232 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

about the width of the diameter below the point where the 
medulla appears in the section, and ends as much above it on 
the opposite side. The scion, which should not exceed in diam- 
eter half that of the stock, is then to be divided longitudinally 
about two inches upward from its lower end, into two unequal 
divisions, by passing the knife upwards just in contact with 
one side of the medulla The stronger division of the scion 
is then to be pared thin at its lower extremity, and intro- 
duced between the bark and wood of the stock; and the more 
slender division is fitted to the stock upon the opposite sicle. The 
scion consequently stands astride the stock to which it attaches 
itself firmly upon each side, and which it covers completely in a 
single season. 

What U called Herbaceous Grafting depends entirely upon 
the .^ame principles as common Grafting. In order to secure 
success in Herbaceous Grafting, the scion and stock, being pared 
so as to fit together accurately, are firmly bound to each other, 
without being crushed ; parts in full vegetation and abounding 
in sap are always chosen for the operation, such as the upper 
parts of annual shoots, near the terminal bud ; perspiration is 
diminished by the removal of some of the leaves of both stock 
and scion, and by shading, and by degrees as the union becomes 
secured, buds and leaves are removed from the stock, in order 
that all the sap possible may be impelled into the scion. This 
method, if well managed, succeeds completely in about thirty 
days, and is useful as a method of nuiltiplying lactescent, resin- 
ous, and hard wooded trees, which refuse to obey more common 
methods." 

Cleft Grafting is the most common, and is generally a very 



GRAFTING. 



233 



Hiccessful method of propagation, whether applied to trunk or 
branch. " The stock is cut off horizontally 
with a saw, and pared smooth with a knife ; 
then with the grafting knife and a mallet make 
a cleft or spUt some two inches long. The scion 
is prepared by sloping its lower end in the form 
of a wedge about an inch and a half long. 
The cleft being kept open with a wedge, the 
sci<m is carefully pushed down to the place fit- 
ting its inner bark on one side, so that the in- 
ner edges of the bark of stock and scion may 
coincide (see cut\ The wedge is then with- 
drawn, and the scions are retained in place by 
the springing together of the cleft." The oper- 
ation is completed by covering the graft .with 
wax previously prepared. The above descrip- 
tion m intended — except in root grafting — for 

cases where the difference in size between the stock and scion is 

considerable, and where two scions are used in the same cleft. 

If but one scion is to be inserted, the stock is sloped on one 

side to a thickness nearly equal to the scion. 

When the stock and scion are of equal size, " cut the scion 
^vedgc -shaped at the base, then split down the middle of the 
stock, and thin the two parts so that the wedge-shape part of the 
scion may coincide in every point. (See cut.) 

Another mode of Cleft Graftixg is in the side of shoots of 
the same size as the scion, and is thi1s described: "Whatever 
may be the nature of the scion, its base should be cut in as 
lengthened a wedge-shape as circumstances will permit. The 




284 



GARDKNING IN FLORIDA. 



u 



place intended for it should be previously fixed upon, and always 
in the fork of a small ramifioati)n of the young stem, or in the 
axil of one of its leaves, or of an eye. The stem should he cut 
back a little above the place intended for the insertion of the 
scion, always taking care that the stump has one or two eyes 
left, or some small branches, leaves, etc. Make in the stock a 
cut somewhat slanting downwards, till it reaches the pith, divid- 
ing it into two nearly equal parts. The cleft should be made by 
a single cut, and as quickly as possible, so that the blade of the 
knife may not have time to deposit iron rust, which is always in- 
jurious to vegetation. The place being thus prepared, the scion 

is inserted, and must be maintained in 
itsi)osition, and otherwise attended ac- 
cording to the practice in other cases.'^ 

Crow^v Grafting "Is by many 
preferred to Cleft Grafting, as tliere 
is no split in the stock, which often 
leads to decay. It is practiced upon 
largo trees, of which the \vo<»(l is 
too hard and stubborn to be cleft, 
or upon small stocks. Several scions 
are pared away on one side of the 
lower end for about two inches, so 
as to make that side flat, and leav- 
ing a shouldrr formiug a right angle 
with it. The head of the stock being 
sawn off horizontally, and the cut por- 
tion smoothed, the bark is gently- 
raised from the wood and thin wedges 



INARCHING. 230' 

inserted. The scions are now pushed under the bark, their' 
shoulders resting on the crown of the stock ; the wedges being 
withdrawn, the whole is covered with wax or wax-cloth. After 
the grafts have grown and made long tender shoots, Avhich they 
will be apt to do with much rapidity and vigor, they should be 
secured to long stakes planted near the stock, and rising above 
it to prevent the wind from breaking off the newly-formed top." 

There is another mode of grafting called Plug Grafting. 
Thoriu affirms that " this was used by the Romans in grafting 
their olives and vines, and is mentioned by geopouical writers. 
The operation, which is performed in the spring, is as follows :• 
A shoot of the previous year is taken, and shaved into a longish 
cylindrical form, immediately below the lower eye ; a hole two- 
or three inches deep, and as large as the scion is then bored in 
the side of the stock ; the scion is placed in the hole, and driven 
in until it fits exactly, leaving no space between itself and the 
stock." 

The chief advantage of plug grafting is its easy application. 
It requires no ligature, and is quickly inserted. * • 

INARCHING. 

Inarching is distinguished by the circumstance that both the 
individuals intended to be united live on their own roots, and 
mutually cooperate in forming a union. Two stocks of two dis- 
tinct plants are brought close together, and the prepared sur- 
faces are matched and tongued as in whip grafting. The two 
plants to-be Inarched must be brought near to one another,, 
which is usually accomplished by having one of them in a 
pot. In some cases, the same object is effected by placing the 
lower end of the branch to be Inarched in a bottle which is kept 



•236 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

supplied with water. Inarching takes the place of Grafting 
altogether in India, and is thus described : "Procure a seedling 
of about one or two years old of the plant to be Inarched, or 
where a seedling is not to be obtained, a rooted cutting of the 
same age of the plant that is to supply the stock. Put it in a 
pot, and when it is well edabllshed. it will be ready to be operated 
upon. Slice away from one side of the young stem a piece of 
bark with a thin layer of the wood beneath it, and about two 
inches long ; do the same to a young stem of the plant to be in- 
arched from, and then bring together the two stems that have 
been thus operated upon, so that the cut parts lie close in contact 
face to face, and bandage them with cotton twist. In course of 
time, when the parts have united, head down the stock and dis- 
sever the scion from the parent plant by cutting it through be- 
low the bandage. The grafted plant must then be put somewhere 
in a shaded place, and not removed from its pot till it has made a 
vigorous growth, and stock and scion have become thoroughly 
incorporated." 

* LAYERING. 

Layering is a method of propagating plants by burying the 
•middle of a branch and keeping the end erect, while still attached 
to and sustained by the parent tree. In the case of cuttings, a 
portion of the stem or branch containing several buds is severed 
from the tree, and planted in the ground, observing to leave 
about two buds out. When the plant is in a healthy, thrifty 
state, there is nutriment enough accumulated within its stem 
and leaves to enable it to throw out roots through which it can 
derive sustenance. But with the layer the parent sustains it 
-during the process of root forming. 



LAYERING. 2o7 

In difficult cases of layering it is usual to form a '' tongue" oiv 
the buried stem, by cutting* half-way through it in a sloping di- 
rection. If this wound is kept open, and it may be prevented 
from healing by inserting a wedge under the cut part, the roots 
will form readily. 

Layering, as practiced in Indin, is thus described by Fir- 
minger : 

" Select a branch of ripened wood of the plant to be Layered, 
that will bear being bent down to the earth without breaking. 
Cut the branch half through w^ith a sharp knife, just under one 
of the leaf buds towards its extremity, and then pass the knife 
upwards so as to slit the branch about an inch or two up. The 
slit piece, with the leaf bud at its extremity called the " tongue," 
should be kept open by inserting a small piece of tile. Eemove 
the earth to the depth of two or three inches from, or place a 
flower pot over the spot just where the tongue falls on the branch 
being bent down.; then carefully bend the tongued part of the 
branch into the earth or into the flower pot ; secure it in that 
position by a peg, and cover it over with earth, which should be 
pressed down and watered. It is recommended to head down 
the branch when layered, but it is not always done." 

Experience has decided that it is much better to form the 
" tongue " on the upper rather than the lower side of the buried 
portion of the branch. 

" For layering herbaceous plants such as a Carnation, an in- 
genious plan is given in Le Bon Jardinier. A piece of oiled 
paper is folded round the stem to be layered, so as to form a fun- 
nel, and held together with a couple of pins. Soil is inserted 



'238 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

into this, and retained therein by moss thrust into the mouth 
and kept constantly moist." 

It may interest the curious and inquiring to read of and per- 
haps test by experiment, the production of what in some places 
in the East is called the " Trifacial Orange," in others, the " Gr- 
anger Hermaphrodite." Mr. St. John, in his " Travels in the 
Valley of the Nile," gives the following account, says Lindley, of 
this very curious tree in Boghos Bey's garden at Alexandria: 
" Here I was shown an extraordinary fruit tree, produced by an 
extremely ingenious process. They take three seeds, the Citron, 
the Orange and the Lemon, and carefully removing the external 
coating from both sides of one of them, and from one side of the 
twa others, place the former between the latter, and binding the 
three together with fine grass, plant them in the earth. From 
this mixed seed springs a tree, the fruit of which exhibits three 
distinct species included in one rind, the division being perfectly 
visible externally, and the flavor of each compartment as differ- 
ent as if it had grown on a separate tree. This curious method 
of producing a tripartite fruit has been introduced by Boghos 
Joussouff, from Smyrna, his native city, where it is said to have 
been practiced from time immemorial." 

In confirmation of the above, the Rev. G. C. Renouard report- 
ed while Foreign Secretary to the Royal Geographical Society, 
having seen the fruit of an orange and lemon combined which 
had grown on a tree similarly produced. Mr. R. described the 
fruit as having " the size and appearance of a large orange, with 
two or three patches of lemon neatly stuck on it ; the color, almost 
to the very edges of the diflPerent pieces, being distinctly that of 
the respective fruits; and on removing the rind, which, as in a 



LAYERING. 



239 



commou orange was all of one piece, the portions beneath the 
lemon colored parts, had not only a considerable degree of acid- 
ity, while the orange had its proper degree of sweetness, but they 
were separated from their sweet neighbors by a distinct mem- 
brane, which in some degree accounted for their difference in 
taste." 




Tallahassee the Capital of Florida, is attractively situated 
upon one of the bsautifnl hills of the high rolling country of the 
Middle District. It has long been noted f r the culture and 
refinement of its people, the profusion and r:iri loveliness of its 
flowers, and its unsurpassed surroundings of woodland beauty. 
And while not precisely centrally located geographically, there 
are too many attractions and advantages in favor of the present 
site, to render a removal of the Capitol at all probable for many 
years to come. 

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT. 

Governor— Term 4 years Salary, $:>,500' 

Governor's Private Secretary " 500 

Lieutenant Governor, 10c mileage and " 500' 

Lieutenant Governor is ex-officio President of the Senate. 

State Officers. 

Secretary of State Salary, $2,000 

Attorney General " 2,000 

Adjutant General " 2,000 

Superintendent Public Instruction " 2,000 

Comptroller General " 2,000 

Comptroller's Clerk " 1,200 

Treasurer • " 2,000 

Treasurer's Clerk " 1,200 

Commissioner of Lands and Immigration " 2,000 

These officers are appointed by the Governor and approved by 
the Senate. 



state officers. 241 

Commissioners of State Institutions : 

The Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Comp- 
troller General, Treasurer, Superintendent of Public Instruction, 
Adjutant General, and Commissioner of Lands and Immigration. 

Board of Education. 

Superintendent of Public Instruction, Secretary of State, and 
Attorney General. 

Board of Pardons. 

The Governor, Justices of the Supreme Court, and Attorney 
General. 

Trustees of Internal Improvement Fund. 

The Governor, Comptroller, Treasurer, Attorney General, and 
Commissioner of Lands and Immigration. 

A clerk is allowed at a salary of $1,200. 



CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS. 

There are two Congressional Districts, 

The First of which is composed of the counties of Escambia, 
Santa Kosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Jackson, Calhoun, 
Franklin, Liberty, Gadsden, Wakulla, Leon, Jefferson, Taylor, 
Lafayette, Levy, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Polk, and 
Monroe. 

To THE Second District are assigned the counties of Mad- 
ison, Suwannee, Hamilton, Columbia, Alachua, Bradford, Baker, 
Nassau, Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Putnam, Sumter, Marion, Vo- 
lusia, Orange, Brevard and Dade. 
16 



242 GAKUENING IN FLORIDA. 

GEOGRAPHICAL DIVISIONS OF THE STATE. 

West Florida consists of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Walton, 
Holmes, Washington, Jackson and Calhoun counties. 

Middle Flokida embraces the counties of Gadsden, Liberty, 
Franklin, Leon, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor, Lafayette, 
and Hamilton. 

East Florida includes the counties Suwannee, Columbia, 
Baker, Nassau, Duval, Bradford, Clay, Levy, St. Johns, Put- 
nam, Alachua, and Marion. 

South Florida is composed of the counties Hernando, Sum- 
ter, Orange, Volusia, Brevard, Polk, Plillsborough, Manatee, 
Monroe, and Dade. 



NUMBER OF PLANTS TO AN ACRE. 

There are 43,560 square feet on an acre of ground, and if that 
number is divided by the product arising from multi})lying the 
distance of the rows apart, by the distance the plants are set in 
the row or drill, the quotient will be the number of plants on an 
acre ; and it is better to remember this than to be bothered with 
a table. 

Example : Suppose it is decided to set Cabbages two feet from 
each other, in rows three feet apart, and the number necessary to 
be provided to plant an acre is desired. You divide 43,560 by 
the product of 3x 2 which is 6, the quotient is 7,260, the required 
number to plant an acre 3x2. 



MEASURES AND WEIGHTS. 



i243 



Parallelograms— Each Containing One Acre. 

de by 968 yards long equals one acre, 
de by 484 yards long equals one acre, 
de by 242 yards long equals one acre, 
de by 121 yards long equals one acre, 
de by 69 1-7 yards long equals one acre, 
de by 60 1-2 yards long equals one acre, 
de by 726 feet long equals one acre, 
de by 396 feet long equals one acre, 
de by 362 11-12 ft. long equals one acre, 
de by 198 feet long equals one acre, 
de by 181 1-2 feet long equals one acre, 
de by 99 feet long equals one acre. 



5 yards w 
10 yards w 
20 yards w 
40 yards w 
70 yards w 
80 yards w 
60 feet 

110 feet 

120 feet 

220 feet 

240 feet 

440 feet 



One ounce of seed will produce, of 

Asparagus, about five hundred plants. 

Cabbage, Cauliflower, Eggplant, Pepper and Tonmto, each 
about three thousand plants. 

Celery and Lettuce, each, about four thousand plants. 



WHAT MAKES A BUSHEL 

ARTICLES. POUNDS. 

Dried Apples ^6 

Beans 60 

Cow Peas 60 

White Beans 60 

Castor Beans 40 



244 GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 

Buckwheat 52 

Stone Coal 80 

Shelled Corn 55 

Corn in the Ear 70 

Corn Meal 50 

Onions 56 

Dried Peaches, unpceled 36 

Dried Peaches, peeled 40 

Irish Potatoes GO 

Sweet Potatoes 50 

Peas GO 

Coarse Salt 50 

Fine Salt 55 

Turnips 55 



HOUSEWIFFS TABLE. 

Wheat Flour, one pound is one quart. 

Indian Meal, one pound two ounces is one quart. 

Butter, when soft, one pound is one quart. 

Brown Sugar, one pound two ounces is one quart. 

Loaf Sugar, one pound is one quart. 



Quantity of Paint to the Square Yard. 

New wood requires about one pound of paint to each square 
yard of surface for three coats. 



Powdered chalk added to common glue strengthens it. 



CEMENT8. 245 

FORMULAS FOR CEMENTS. 

FOR BROKEN CHINA. 

Stir Plaster of Paris into a thick solution of Gum Arabic, till 
it becomes a viscous paste. Apply it with a brush to the frac- 
tured edges, and draw the parts closely together. In three or 
four days it may be used. 

DIAMOND CEMENT FOR CROCKERY. 

Glue one pound, white lead (dry) one quarter pound, one 
quart rain water, and half a pint of alcohol. Put the three first 
ingredients in a kettle, and set the kettle in a dish of water. 
Boil until the glue is dissolved, then add the alcohol and boil 
again until all become thoroughly mixed. Keep in well stopped 
bottles, and use in the same manner as glue. Should it become 
too hard, soften by placing the bottle in warm water. 

TRANSPARENT CEMENT FOR GLASS. 

Dissolve one part by weight of India rubber in sixty-four of 
chloroform, then add sixteen to twenty-four parts of powdered 
gum mastic. This should be kept warm for two days and shaken 
frequently. Apply with camel's hair or other fine brush. 

CEMENT FOR GLASS AND IRON UNDER WATER. 

Sift together one gill each of litharge, plaster of Paris, dry 
white sand, and one-third of a gill of rosin, finely powdered. 
Keep corked tightly and use as needed by mixing into a putty 
with linseed oil, and adding a little patent dryer. Mix each lot 
at least fifteen hours before using. After applying let it dry a 
few hours before letting on water. 



246 



GARDENING IN FLORIDA. 



WATER-PROOF GLUE. 

Render glue soft but not liquid in cold water, then dissolve it 
by gentle heat in linseed oil. It dries quickly and water will not 
affect it. 



A cement is made of two parts ashes, three of clay, one of sand 
mixed with oil. 




ERRATA. 

On page 29, second line from bottom, read Caula for Caulo. 

Page 42, first line, supply ivhere after the word market. 

Page 43, thirteenth line, the sentence should end with the 
word any, and there should bo simply a comma in place of the 
period after the word bean. 

Page 58, twelfth line near the end, read are for is. 

Page 65, first line, substitute a comma for a period after the 
word climate. 

Page 7H, sixth line, last word, read gathering for gardening. 

Page 85, second line, read Caula for Caulo. 

Page 88, eighth line from bottom read Cantaloupe for 
Cantatoupe. 

Page 92, supply do not at the beginning of the seventh line. 

Page 97, second line read rose for 7iose. 

Page 97, tenth line, near the end, supply on after the word 
come. 

Page 97, second line from bottom of page, read serve for 
season. 

Page 112, in last line of analysis, read silica for silicic. 

Page 122, third line from bottom of page read thinning for 
thining. 

Page 123, fourth line read shallot for shalot. 

Page 127, bottom line, read bedding for led ding. 

Page 138, fourth line, read its for their. 

Page 134, nineteenth line, read chestnuts for chesnuts. 



Page 145, seventeenth line, read contains for contain. 

Page 146, second line, read nutritious for nutritions. 

Page 155, fourth line from the bottom, read imply for apply. 

Page 160, fifteenth line, read civet for civit. 
Page 166, eighth line, read stameris for stamen. 

Page 213, seventh line read practised for practiced. 

Page 115, first line, omit the word himself. 

Page 197, sixth line from bottom, read consist for consists. 

Page 205, last line, read perseverance for perseverence. 

Page 213, last word on page, read hardiness for hardness. 

Page 225, top of page, read propagation for propogation. 

Page 231, third line from bottom, read albumen for alburnum. 



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